The American

About criminals on that 'one last job': Why would anyone indulge in it? Seems like crime keeps you happy but the pursuit of its end generally precipitates your own. At least that's we see in the movies.

Thoroughly European in spirit, The American is a better film than you'd think. Don't let minor things like hackneyed plot elements (criminal with a heart of silver, one last job, being hunted by his protectors, prostitute with a heart of gold and a body to match) deter you. This isn't about that. A slow, pensive look across the channels of sin and redemption, The American, is an interesting film for a late, relaxed, winter night. The real flaw is in the poster that makes you feel like you are in for some action and there isn't any, at least not in the traditional sense.

While watching The American, based on the novel 'A very private gentleman' by Martin Booth, one cannot but remember the fascinating Graham Greene novel 'A quite American' and its namesake film which is quite brilliant and not to be missed, as I wrote in August of 2003.

The find of the film is of course the Italian actress Violante Placido who plays the aforementioned prostitute. Why is she not in more movies may be the only real intrigue The American leaves you with.