A meditative look into the day-to-day life of an assassin. If the movie's slow pace bores you, you're missing the point - because it wouldn't make sense even for a killer's life to be action-packed 24/7. Like The Professional/Leon, another great movie on the same subject, expression of emotion is the only factor that spells doom for a hired killer, and "Mr. Butterfly" here is no exception (remember that name; it plays a pivotal role in the story). Another mysterious piece of cinema, in which the rhythme and beautiful visuals (and Clooney's acting) almost put me into a trance.
Mo says:
I got what you mean , this is exactly the main point of story which shows a hired killer can own a normal emotional life too but we have to admit : its slow rhythm and calm narrative makes a little boring somehow! , particularly in front of that shocking opening scene (one of the best ) , audience expects some more turning points and up & down, even in its romance. This is not happening in Leon , at all.In that movie, emotional load was as strong as those shootouts and explosions !
ReplyDeleteObviously "The American" never reaches the dramatic and emotional depths of "The Professional". But I believe it does portray the same sad bitterness of an assassin's life. As you mention, the opening sequence is especially shocking showing the killer without any hesitation killing the girl he's romancing, just because his cover has been blown.
ReplyDeleteI don't know - maybe having Clooney in the leading role gives the audience the wrong impression this is going to be a big budget Hollywood action flick right from the start.
Sounds great, I will try to catch it sometime.
ReplyDeleteI thought at 1st it was a movie based on the old comic book from the late eighties. Which would have been a great alternative to my most anticipated movie of 2011, "Captain America"! I cant wait :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_American_%28comics%29
I can't wait for "Captain America" either.
ReplyDeleteAnd "Thor" ...
And "Green Lantern" ..