The American

About The American

"The American" is a 2010 American action-thriller film directed by Anton Corbijn and starring George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido, Irina Björklund, and Thekla Reuten. The movie is an adaptation of the novel A Very Private Gentleman by Martin Booth. The film follows a professional assassin named Jack who is always on the move. After a job in Sweden ends sourly, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside, where he accepts one last assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact. However, during his stay, he is romantically drawn into a friendship with a local priest and a woman, which makes him question his life choices and profession.

Making / Production

The film was produced by This Is That Productions and Greenlit Rights and distributed by Focus Features. The production of the film took place mainly in Italy, particularly in the Abruzzo region and Rome. The film is known for its slow-burning style, minimalist dialogues, and atmospheric cinematography. Anton Corbijn's direction has also been praised for shaping the film as a reflective and atmospheric thriller.

Actors

• George Clooney as Jack / Edward – An assassin and craftsman who yearns for a peaceful life. Clooney portrayed Jack with a perfect blend of ruthlessness and vulnerability.
• Violante Placido as Clara – A local prostitute who becomes involved with Jack. Placido's performance showcased the character’s innocence and kindness.
• Thekla Reuten as Mathilde – Reuten portrayed the mysterious Mathilde with an air of intrigue, aloofness, and danger.
• Paolo Bonacelli as Father Benedetto - Bonacelli played a wise, gentle yet observant local priest who tries to help Jack.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on Martin Booth's novel A Very Private Gentleman.
• Most of the film was shot in the region of Abruzzo, Italy.
• Despite being an action thriller, the film only has five deaths throughout its runtime.
• George Clooney performed his own stunts in the movie.
• The American is Anton Corbijn's second feature film as a director.

Awards

The film was nominated for numerous awards, notably the 2010 Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure Film and the Best Actor award for Clooney’s performance at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards.

Quotes

• "You cannot deny the existence of hell. You live in it. It is a place without love." - Father Benedetto
• "I’m out." - Jack
• "I can be trusted." - Jack

Music, Soundtrack

• 'The Days' – Performed by Patrick Park
• 'Tu Vuo' Fa L'Americano' – Renato Carosone
• 'Un Sasso Nello Stagno' – Andrea Comandini