6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 3.1 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.4 |
Jack is an American master assassin working in Europe. When a job in Sweden ends messily, Jack flees to the Italian countryside and vows that his next assignment will be his last. But this simple decision becomes complicated when his new client, Mathilde, appears to have sinister ulterior motives. Meanwhile, Jack pursues an ambiguous relationship with local prostitute Clara and is befriended by elderly priest Father Benedetto, who encourages him to put his past behind him and seek absolution. But which of these new acquaintances, if any, can Jack truly trust?
Starring: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli, Johan LeysenCrime | 100% |
Drama | 95% |
Psychological thriller | 33% |
Thriller | 23% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: DTS 5.1
Spanish: DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy (as download)
BD-Live
Mobile features
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The American has divided audiences and critics into two distinct, equally combative camps, leaving the uninitiated wondering whether Control director Anton Corbijn's slowburn sophomore effort is a "pretentious Euro-snore that should occasion a fraud prosecution for any marketer who calls it a thriller," or if it just might be a "rare grownup thriller that knows the link between peace and danger, and the tension that comes from both." As luck would have it though, determining whether you'll be infuriated or transfixed by The American is quite simple, so long as you're able to answer a seemingly unrelated question: what was your reaction to Steven Soderbergh's Solaris? Granted, the two are entirely different films with entirely different sensibilities, but they have far more in common than not. Those who found Solaris to be a tedious, aggravating, pretentious piece of self-important arthouse cinema will walk away from The American with a strikingly similar opinion, while those who were mesmerized by Soderberg's ambiguous, introspective, deceptively complex sci-fi stunner will find Corbijn's subdued, enigmatic, beautifully shot assassination tango to be both a gripping modern Western and an absorbing character study.
Il Americano...
Love or hate The American all you'd like; there's no denying how fantastic it looks in high definition. Universal's 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer is gorgeous from beginning to end, and leaves little room for criticism. Martin Ruhe's adaptive palette -- sterile and detached one moment, warm and inviting the next, vibrant and salacious still another -- is as lovely as it is affective, skintones remain lifelike throughout, black levels are convincing, and the few contrast inconsistencies that arise are inherent to Ruhe's original photography. But it's the presentation's detail that will drop the most jaws. Fine textures are crisp, clean and incredibly well-resolved (be sure to take a moment to bask in the majesty of almost any closeup), edge definition is sharp and natural (with only the slightest hint of intermittent ringing), and delineation rarely falters. Significant artifacting, crush, banding, and smearing aren't anywhere to be seen, and a single overhead shot of the Castel del Monte rooftops is the sole source of shimmering I encountered. My only complaint? An early morning scene between Clooney and Bonacelli is peppered with noise and hindered by dawn's looming light. It too is attributable to Ruhe's photography, but the result is more distracting and unsightly. That being said, it's by no means a deal-breaker, and retreats as suddenly as it attacks. (In fact, if the scene in question weren't so crucial to the film, I probably wouldn't even mention it.) As it stands, Universal's spectacular video transfer is the highlight of an already impressive release.
Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track isn't going to wake the neighbors. Actually, if it weren't for a few sonic flurries, it wouldn't even wake the kids. As subdued as the film's protagonist, as contemplative as his innermost thoughts, the quality of the mix hinges on its atmosphere and authenticity, both of which are involving and commendable. Ambience is persistent, believable and utterly enveloping, and the rear speakers never idle. Even the quietest scenes are pulsing with activity, be it a soft breeze wafting through a tranquil forest, the hushed conversations at a streetside cafe, the distant wheen of a passing Euro-car, poignant notes in Herbert Grönemeyer's wonderfully distressed score, or the simple stacked-room acoustics of a small apartment. Directional effects are deadly in their accuracy, cross-channel pans use stealth to their advantage, and dynamics, reserved as they may be at times, are excellent all around. LFE output is restrained as well, but readily reveals its command of the soundscape whenever called upon. The roar of a passing train, the heart-pounding intensity of a brief car chase, the heavy thock thock of Jack's custom sniper rifle... there isn't a misstep to be found, at least not within Corbijn's established framework. Dialogue is isn't as impeccable -- a few lines languish and exterior voices aren't always as distinct and precise as they could be -- but there aren't any substantial problems of note (certainly none that detract from the overall experience). All in all, Universal's lossless track complements its video transfer; a film like The American couldn't ask for much more.
Universal has assembled a small but serviceable supplemental package for The American. Clooney's absence from the proceedings is a disappointment, sure, but director Anton Corbijn's thoughtful overview of the film's production, performances, story, themes and characters makes the material worthwhile.
The American isn't an acquired taste, at least not in the traditional sense. It's a divisive, do-or-die, love-it-or-hate-it affair through and through. I was transfixed by its performances, cinematography, pacing, story and structure, but I know others will be turned off by the arguable air of pretension that haunts the proceedings. Universal's Blu-ray release is more clear-cut. Its proficient video transfer is striking and rewarding, its faithful DTS-HD Master Audio track is invigorating and immersive, and its simple but satisfying supplemental package will sustain fans of the film. I would strongly advise renting The American before considering a purchase. It isn't the sort of film anyone should buy on a whim.
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