It is hard to escape the black hole which is the infectious charm of Mr. George Clooney. So I was a bit fascinated with The American simply because the man Clooney plays is stripped of the expected hallmark attributes of his usual roles. His character is both haunted and hunted throughout the story. There is a counterweight to the tension through the stunning rustic beauty of the Italian country side and the narrow Roman streets where much of the action occurs. This film is directed by Anton Corbijn who did the equally gorgeous and gloomy Control. Another film about a doomed individual who you want to prevail, but know won't.

While watching this film, I was reminded of a superior one called The Passenger. You do need to be ready for some existentialism and Jack Nicholson should you blaze-up/sit down and watch it.

The American is a good get-stoned-on-a-Sunday-afternoon movie with little angst afterwards, leaving only the faintest of faint impression by the time the credits roll. You'll barely remember you watched it at all.