Roger Ebert introduces his four-star review of The American by saying, "'The American' allows George Clooney to play a man as starkly defined as a samurai. His fatal flaw, as it must be for any samurai, is love. Other than that, the American is perfect: Sealed, impervious and expert, with a focus so narrow it is defined only by his skills and his master. Here is a gripping film with the focus of a Japanese drama, an impenetrable character to equal Alain Delon's in 'Le Samourai,' by Jean-Pierre Melville.
Jim Emerson wrote, "I thought it was just my audience, but I happened upon a news release saying that CinemaScore, the market research firm, reported the average grade 'The American' received from ticket buyers was a D-, which turns out to be some kind of record. This made me laugh, because I had made a point of listening to what people were saying as they left the theater, and jotted down a few of the things I overheard -- most of which were fairly predictable:
'Well, that wasn't very good. Why is it getting such good reviews?'
'It doesn't answer your questions, does it?'
'Nah, too slow.'
'I know! I'll never trust him again!' (I don't know who that remark was referring to -- a critic or a personal acquaintance of the patrons?)"
I wish people these days had an attention span so more good films could be made with mainstream distribution -- making it easier for people like me, in East-Central Indiana, to see a variety of films, not just shallow love stories and explosions. The comments of the numb minded movie-goers above motivate me even more to see this picture; more so than Ebert's perfect review. I am really excited to see it. Watch the trailer and see what you think.
TRAILER: The American (2010)
