An intentionally slow-moving film, featuring Clooney’s most defiantly subdued performance to date.
A muted thriller, weighed a little too obviously with existential angst. Still, sexy and tense, with a brave, bare performance from Clooney.
Corbijn's images deliver buckets of mournful atmosphere but his film's slow metabolic rate is fatal and leaks tension.
Stylish but dull.
Basically it’s In Bruges with all the good bits taken out.
It’s achingly obvious from start to finish and lacks any compensating psychological acuity.
If you leave your expectations at the door you may end up being pleasantly surprised.
The final scene...deserves a place in Great Crummy Film Endings.
There is enormous technique. But, oddly for the Italian setting, it is a little cold and flavourless.
It certainly takes risks with its hero that Hollywood wouldn’t dare, and for that Corbijn should be commended.
When it comes to thrillers, pensive pulchritude can be as beguiling as sweaty agitation.
The American, despite its name, is distinctly European in its pace (slow) and outlook (bleak), and it wears its lack of thrills almost as a badge of honour.
Corbijn’s bold stab at reviving the minimalism and mystery of ’70s cinema has its strengths but ultimately overreaches itself. Closer to Michael Clayton than Ocean’s Eleven, it’ll leave Clooney fans divided.
Clooney has...never made a boring film. Until now.
A poised, self-conscious film.
The American is only required viewing if you happen to be taking a specialist course in George Clooney Studies.
The American is a genuine oddity: a film that looks like a Hollywood blockbuster but resolutely avoids delivering those kinds of thrills.
Interview: Anton Corbijn, director
The American--Anton Corbijn profile
Clooney signs up for the Corbijn club
The American: the killers we can't resist
The American: another grisly bullet-in-the-head to add to my collection
Anton Corbijn: 'I know just enough not to look stupid'
Interview: Anton Corbijn, film director and photographer
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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