The American Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

George Clooney makes a gun, bangs a prostitute, and then everyone dies…eventually.

🍿 The American: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Deadly Start in Sweden

The film opens with Jack, a skilled assassin, and his lover Ingrid enjoying a peaceful retreat in Sweden. Their tranquility is shattered when a sniper attack forces Jack to act. He quickly eliminates the threat but, fearing exposure, makes the devastating decision to kill Ingrid to protect his identity. This sets a tone of cold calculation and moral compromise for the rest of the film.

Hiding Out in Italy

Haunted by his actions, Jack seeks refuge in the Italian countryside, guided by his handler Pavel. He assumes the alias ‘Edward’ and attempts to lie low in a small town. Despite Pavel’s warning to avoid attachments, Jack finds himself drawn to a local priest, Father Benedetto, and a beautiful prostitute named Clara. This internal conflict between his professional detachment and his longing for human connection forms the core of the narrative.

One Last Job, New Complications

Pavel offers Jack one final assignment: building a custom sniper rifle for a mysterious woman named Mathilde. As Jack meticulously crafts the weapon, his relationships with Clara and Father Benedetto deepen, offering a glimpse of a life beyond violence. However, his past continues to haunt him, as he suspects he is still being hunted by those seeking revenge for his actions in Sweden. The tension builds as Jack tries to reconcile his dangerous profession with his burgeoning desire for a normal life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack (George Clooney): A skilled but weary assassin seeking one last job and a chance at redemption in a quiet Italian town.
• Clara (Violante Placido): A local prostitute who develops a genuine connection with Jack, offering him a glimpse of a normal life.
• Pavel (Johan Leysen): Jack’s handler and contact who becomes a threat as Jack attempts to leave his dangerous profession.
• Mathilde (Thekla Reuten): A Belgian assassin who hires Jack to build a custom rifle, complicating his plans for retirement.
• Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli): A local priest who befriends Jack, offering him spiritual guidance and challenging his life choices.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pavel: “Don’t make any friends, Jack.” – Pavel warns Jack to remain detached and not form connections in the Italian town.
• Father Benedetto: “You cannot deny the existence of hell. You live in it. It is a place without love.” – The priest confronts Jack about his loveless existence and the moral consequences of his actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,606,376
• Worldwide Gross: $67,876,281

💥 The American Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a Bourne-style action fest, but ‘The American’ surprised me. It’s much more of a character study. The scenery is breathtaking, and George Clooney’s performance is subtle and compelling. I was captivated by the slow burn of the plot and the complex relationships he develops, especially with Clara. The ending left me feeling a mix of sadness and satisfaction. If you enjoy thoughtful thrillers, this one’s worth watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of George Clooney and neo-noir thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories with deliberate pacing”
  • “Those interested in films set in beautiful Italian locations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Graphic nudity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A deliberately paced thriller that favors mood and atmosphere over explosive action. Clooney delivers a restrained performance as a conflicted assassin, making the most of the picturesque Italian setting.
• Rolling Stone: “This isn’t your typical action flick. ‘The American’ is a slow burn, focusing on Clooney’s internal struggles and the beautiful Italian landscapes. If you’re looking for a thinking man’s thriller, this might be it.

Audience Reactions

The beautiful Italian scenery created a unique and captivating backdrop.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s slow pace, which allowed for character development and tension to build.

George Clooney’s understated performance was compelling and believable.: Many praised Clooney’s portrayal of a conflicted and world-weary assassin.

Overall Consensus: A slow-paced, atmospheric thriller with a strong central performance from George Clooney, but may not appeal to those seeking traditional action.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The existing population of Castel del Monte, Italy, was more than doubled with the influx of cast and crew during filming.”
• “The film’s director, Anton Corbijn, is known for his work as a photographer and music video director, bringing a strong visual style to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch The American?

As of October 2024, “The American” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Subscription availability varies by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The American, you might like these similar films:

• Le Samouraï (1967): Both films feature a stoic, professional assassin who operates with precision and lives a solitary life, showcasing the psychological toll of their profession.
• A Very Private Gentleman (1990): This is the source novel for The American.
• The Day of the Jackal (1973): Shares the theme of a meticulous assassin undertaking a complex assignment, with a focus on the preparation and execution of the task.

🛒 The American Related Products

• The American (Blu-ray): Own the beautifully shot thriller on Blu-ray. Experience the stunning Italian landscapes and George Clooney’s performance in high definition. A must-have for fans of the film.
• George Clooney Movie Poster: High-quality poster featuring George Clooney from ‘The American’. Perfect for movie enthusiasts and fans of the actor. Ideal for decorating home theaters, living rooms, or offices.
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Explore the world of assassins in this thrilling action RPG. Engage in stealth missions, craft weapons, and uncover dark secrets, much like the main character in ‘The American’. Provides a similar atmosphere of intrigue and danger.
• Ruger Mini-14 GB Model: 1:6 Scale Ruger Mini-14 GB Model. Perfect for display, this miniature replica captures the essence of the firearm used in the film. A unique collector’s item for movie buffs and firearms enthusiasts alike.

🎧 Soundtrack

The American features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Bambola” – performed by Patty Pravo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

DIY Silencer from Scrap: ‘The American’ Movie Scene

Curious how a silencer is made? Check out this awesome scene from ‘The American’ that shows the main character crafting one from scratch. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of espionage and survival.

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