Rating of
3.5/4
The American, a modern classic
frank kemble - wrote on 02/15/11
Slight spoilers - The film was marketed as a Bourne/Bond style action film, which, in reality is not the case. It is however, a very well acted and intelligent throwback to 70's assassin drama's. It does maintain a slow pace for most of the film, but that is apart of what makes it a nostalgic, modern masterpiece. Society today is so used to movies being so fast pace, with less story, that when something this well structured comes along, they don't know how to view it. This film has beautiful cinematography, brilliant shots of the landscape, and a darkness to it, where all the characters fall into an old style world of intrigue. It's essentially about an American assassin, who is pursued by other assassins, who hides out in Italy, awaiting to perform one last job. If you have seen some of the classics such as Three days of the condor, Marathon Man, The day of the Jackal, and so fourth, you may actually find this film to be better. It has that classic tone that is so rare these days and a wonderful film, at that.
