Review: The American

Director: Anton Corbijn
Cast: George Clooney,

There's no denying it - Gorgeous George is getting old. It's over 25 years since he first came into the public arena as the dreamy Doctor Ace in ER. Despite being on a collision course with the ripe old age of 50, there is no denying that Mr Clooney has aged very well. And he has certainly not slowed up. Where most of his generation would be signing up to the nearest Shakespeare Company, Georgie Boy goes and gets himself a starring role in a spy film!

This, however, is not an effects laden, adrenaline pumping Bond movie. Come expecting that, and expect to be disappointed! Unlike 007, Jack/Edward (Clooney) is a craftsman, an expert who has refined his art over years of experience, to the point of becoming almost mechanical in his efficiency. Years of bitter experience have led him inevitably to a life of loneliness and exhaustion, culminating in his decision that this will be his final bow out of the game for good.

Depending on atmosphere, rather than action, Director Anton Corbijn certainly knows how to frame a shot. From the sweeping icy panoramas of snow-covered Sweden, through to the gloriously vibrant hues of northern Italy, Corbijn's fine eye never misses a scene.

But the undisputed star here is Clooney, turning in a performance easily rivalling his previous best of Up In The Air, and surely cementing his position as one of the greats. While supporting cast never feel fully fleshed out, he gives the character of Jack/Edward pathos and depth, which perhaps only the Cary Grants of yesteryear could rival. In a script short in dialogue and full of lingering close-ups of both his face and abs (for the lady-audience no doubt), he carries demanding, wide-ranging emotions effortlessly. Jack/Edward is a man increasingly yearning for a normal life, seeking meaningful relationships that his job would deny him, finding solace and a redemption of sorts in a priest and prostitute, the latter finally becoming his reason to leave his former life - if his enemies will let him.

The slow pace and lack of action may prevent this reaching a wide mainstream audience, but with a powerful central performance and compelling character-driven story, The American fills a gap missing in many, more superficial, espionage capers.

7/10

Content advisory: The film is rated 15 largely due to sexual content. A couple of fairly explicit scenes. Check out IMDB for full description.