THE AMERICAN ***

Anton Corbijn directed this Suspense/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli. Rated R for violence, sexual content and nudity. Running time is one hour and forty-three minutes.

After an assassin's (Clooney) job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected, he retreats to the Italian countryside and holes up in a small medieval town. He accepts the friendship of local priest (Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, he is tempting fate.

Older patrons will be reminded of the 70's Eastwood films featuring a strong, silent loner. Clooney is the only recognizable cast member but the European supporting cast is very good and doesn't detract from the film. Cinematography is fantastic and the views of the Italian alps and villages are most enjoyable. There are not a lot of plot surprises although I enjoyed the story and was never bored. The pacing will be problematical for younger viewers used to the current fast cut techniques but I found it pleasant as will most older viewers who like this genre. It's not an award winner but a good film for the right patron. A big screen will definitely add to the scenic enjoyment. Theatres/Times.