The American (2010) is not a Hollywood quick-cut editing extravaganza catering to short attention spans. After the Bourne flicks, which I’m a big fan of, took action to the point of inducing motion sickness, director Anton Corbijn (Control) situates violence back in the context of paranoia and emotional conflict. Crafted with precision and a meticulous eye for detail, each shot is visually striking with intent to evoke an emotive or psychological tone. Pacing is explicitly purposeful (and discerning readers know that is an artsy fartsy way of saying “slow”), yet I was never bored for a moment by this meditative, hypnotic thriller.
George Clooney stars as Jack (sometimes also called Edward), a man of subdued demeanor, weary of surviving too long by the “way of the gun” and now desiring to leave that life behind. Initially you will be unsure if he is attempting to outrun his past or come to terms with his sins. As a shocking turn in the opening sequence reveals, romantic love is Jack’s weakness; both in impeding performance of professional duties and forcing an existence of suspicion and isolation. Not until the final scenes, is it revealed how “the American” deals with the burden of this legacy.
Corbijn perceives his creation as a modern reinvention of the thematic Western. An apt observation, as parallels can be drawn to films like Eastwood’s The Unforgiven with its subject matter of redemption and transgression. Filmed mostly in isolated locales of Abruzzo, Italy, the sparse mountains and labyrinth cityscapes are as integral a character as the rugged terrain in a John Ford Western. Mood (with an almost zen-like aesthetic) is paramount in this enthralling cinema where violence feels life threatening and no one is to be trusted as we are drawn into the psyche of the central character (with who rationally we should not easily relate), all the way along to the devastating but apt finale.
High-def Presentation
Universal’s BD offering does tremendous justice to The American’s calculated cinematography. Whether sumptuously beautiful or tension inducing, fabulously effective high-def 1080p images are on display. Razor sharp detail in close-ups can cause distraction as you can count fibers in clothing or Clooney’s beard stubble. Focus does go soft or contrast is minimally manipulated at points in conjunction with alterations in lighting and color palette, all driven by Corbijn and cinematographer Martin Ruhe’s purpose of affecting mood. Only the most stringent of nitpickers could discern any digital sharpening or inconsistencies, while a thin veneer of grain tops off this dazzling filmic HD presentation.
The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack creates a sense of atmosphere that well serves the contemplative narrative. From the rustling of forest trees to footfalls echoing in city streets, an authentic sonic environment is rendered. As action arises sporadically, the lossless audio flexes its technical prowess with the roar and squeal of a car chase or the pounding thwack of a rifle shot, and the surround channels are put to almost constant use with subtle touches and superb panning producing a believable sense of motion and depth.
Beyond The Feature
Quantity is definitely not a selling point for the extras put together by Universal, though what we receive is worthy of your attention. Five Deleted Scenes (5:34, HD) are interesting as they extend the feel of the film, and Journey to Redemption: The Making of The American (10:52, HD) is a short featurette comprised of tantalizing interviews with cast and crew. The Feature-Length Commentary from Anton Corbijn portrays little humor or overt excitement but showcases the dedication and thoughtful purpose the director put into making his film. It’s a subdued listen but of much value to devotees of The American.
BD-Live access, which once again offers nothing related to the film, is provided, and there is reference to an app available for smart phones and the iPad that will allow you to control BD features.
I could see The American being a snooze fest for those expecting a simple action packed ride. However, Corbijn and Clooney construct an existential tale of an individual whose life has been deformed by a professional past of violence. The well crafted visuals and consistently spellbinding tone make for an absorbing watch. Universal delivers near perfect HD visuals and very faithful lossless audio that allow one to overlook the dearth of supplements (though what is included is very good).
– Robert Searle
Shop for The American on Blu-ray for a discounted price at Amazon.com.
