"The American"

Saw it today - Good Movie.

Make NO mistake this is NOT an Action film.
In fact it is more of an Art film worthy of the Fine Arts theater circuit.
It is beautifully photographed and Clooney is great, but it is somewhat predictable.
Mostly excellent contemplative cinematography with very little dialogue.
Only just enough words with just the right imagery to tell the story.
So its a bit of a paradox really...slow and yet a thriller at the same time.
You won't be bored and it might stick with you for a while.
That's about all I can say without spoiling.

Oh - almost forgot.
Clooney was true to his contract - sporting a classic Omega Speedmaster on leather, loosely worn.

That is pretty much the review I read on the movie...

The critic said almost just what you did, an oxymoron of art and action...

So far you reviews seem to be dead on with my personal tastes so if you like a movie, I probably will too...

Another awesome review here Jaw ! ..Man oh man, have
to say you are GREAT at explaining these movies in perfect
detail ! You give a real feel for the movie, without giving away
anything. Plus with all of the watches you tell us about, it makes
seeing these movies even more attractive ! ..Seriously though,
this movie looks really good, and I'm real glad that you liked it !!!
..Thanks again for the review !

Thanks Tom - you are too kind.

thanks Jaw, I'll have to see it. I wasn't sure if I would wait til the video

jaw wrote:

Thanks Tom - you are too kind.

No problem Jaw ! ..Right back at you !

Saw it Tuesday with my 18 year-old son. We were both quite disappointed. Reason: the movie is marketed through previews as a Clooney spy thriller in the vein of James Bond and Jason Bourne. In fact the movie is nothing like that. It's VERY slow-moving, little dialogue, little action, lots of scenery/moodery. The dialogue was often hard to follow because most characters were Italians speaking poor English.

Further, a critical 'event' happens about ten minutes before the movie ends that both my son and I completely misinterpreted, leaving us scratching our heads as to what was happening. When we got home I checked the movie on Wikipedia and discovered what had "really" happened. The clues in the movie pointing to this understanding were very subtle and subject to different interpretations.

Further still, the Wiki discussion of the ending was different from the conclusions reached by both my son and I.

I think Clooney & Co. were just a little too cute and coy in bringing the viewer into the story.

All this being said, if I had known this was an "Art Film" before sitting down, I would have been much more forgiving and perhaps appreciative of the film.

jaw wrote:

Oh - almost forgot.
Clooney was true to his contract - sporting a classic Omega Speedmaster on leather, loosely worn.

Yeah, I noticed that, too. In fact, it was obvious that the Speedmaster was a product placement, as they gave it several close-up camera shots.

You are right about how this movie is marketed Tom !
Haven't seen the movie, but it definitely looks like that
James Bond/Bourne kind of theme happening that you
mention. I guess they want to draw you in, on what you
"think" it might be. That can be disappointing when you
are expecting one thing, and you get another. Odd endings
can be a little disappointing also ! ..Sorry you guys didn't
like it ! ..I may have to wait to see this one on TV !