Anton Corbijn's The American is a slowly-paced but superbly-crafted cerebral thriller. The plot follows an assassin (Clooney) who wants to quit for love (Placido), but his employer (Leysen) has one last job for him. The plot is the film's weakest aspect, as it is flimsy, cliché, and predictable. But everything else about this movie is exquisite. The cinematography is stunning and is paired with impeccable editing. It lingers just the right amount to let you appreciate the beauty without it feeling forced on you. The music is refreshingly different and appropriately atmospheric. The slick production is well-directed, adding tension to the simplest scenes and unnerving you when you least expect it. The use of colors and subtle shifts in composition add meaning to an already intriguing and complex thematic framework. Clooney continues to surprise me with his choice of roles after his equally fascinating turn in Up in the Air. All in all, I cannot recommend this film enough. Just know that it is not a James Bond action movie. It can be slow-paced, forcing the audience to be patient, so you must be in the right mood. But if you are, you will enjoy what this film has to offer.
IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1440728/