>"The American" With George Clooney – I Didn’t Hate It

I’m pretty hard on movies about Italy that are not made by Italians – like “When in Rome”. When I think about “When in Rome” it goes beyond hating a movie – it makes me worry about the future of civilization. It makes me believe that there is no hope for us – and I mourn the death of humanity. That is how much I hated “When in Rome”.

As I’ve said, if you want to see a movie about Italy, watch an Italian movie; and I stand by that. But I can’t lie – I liked “The American” with George Clooney. It’s quiet and simplicity reminded me of an Italian movie from the 60s. It was the story of an assassin, but it isn’t an action thriller, and it’s not an action thriller, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie.

George Clooney, the assassin, has decided to retire and his boss sends him to a little town in Abruzzo to hide out and do one last job. He’s spent his life sleeping with one eye open and this time it’s even worse. His last job went really, really badly and he’s got the feeling that he’s being followed. I had that feeling too; I suspected everyone was trying to kill him, even the priest.

The American isn’t a perfect movie – it’s little too slow. But I have to say, George Clooney was pretty good. In this movie he casts off the pretty boy image and seems – is this the right word for a hired killer? – vulnerable. He knows what can happen to him and he knows that no one will help him but himself. His nervous vigil created a feeling of dread for me that never let go.

And the scenery was great – it didn’t glamorize Italy at all. I’m not sure how long Diane Lane would have lasted in this town very far from that Tuscan sun, but it’s the Italy that I know and love.

You’d still be better off with an actual Italian movie, but I liked “The American” so I give you permission to watch it. You’re welcome.