SimplyAbuDhabi I

12 S IMPLY ABU DHABI A new biopic brings full on action as savvy American assassin Jack — played by George Clooney — is drawn away from a life on the edge, when confronted with romance and gospel. But is it too late for the spoof photographer to get out from this picture of hell? The American is an exercise in impressive style but falls short in emotional pull. An atmospheric arty-thriller that’s more of an aesthetic experience than an emotional one. Introducing lead actor George Clooney who plays the role of a top-of-the-line professional assassin named Jack. The American shows an alternative Clooney to that we are used to. He comes across somewhat removed from the screen and presents a much more internal performance than usual as he takes on the character of high- alert hit man Jack. THE AMERICAN FILM OF THE MONTH A good deal of the movie, directed by Anton Corbijn from a script by Rowan Joffe, is devoted to the patient examination of Jack at work. He applies his trade with meticulous care; weighing, measuring, disassembling and tweaking his special gun with artisanal devotion. While this exceptionally high level of craft is satisfying, it can involve us for only so long and the plot does lack an ability to be emotionally invigorating. Given these structural drawbacks, Clooney performs fairly well and is convincing as a suave craftsman who dislikes wasting either words or bullets. As Jack (or Butterfly as he also known because of the tattoo between his shoulder blades) retreats to Italy, two unexpected meetings arise with local priest, Father Benedetto, and prostitute, Clara. And it is at this point that the movie heightens as we witness the killing machine’s heart put to the test. The cinematography holds this movie together. The creatively alluring screen shots certainly pack a punch and are impeccably composed frame-by-frame for full-on, high wattage action. Eagle-eye views of red-tile roofs; glimpses down narrow stone passageways; raunchy sex scenes; and shots of Clooney in action —The American is visually spectacular. Release date: 26 November 2010 (UK) UAE release date yet to be announced.