Production begins this week on Anton Corbijn’s second film, The American, an adaptation of A Very Private Gentleman by Martin Booth. Corbijn previously directed the gorgeous and fascinating Ian Curtis biopic Control. The American was scripted by Rowan Joffe. Co-starring with Clooney are Bruce Altman, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli and Violante Placido. The plot synopsis provided by Focus Features follows:
Alone among assassins, Jack is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Larry that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde, is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.
Outside of the very bland title change, I’m really looking forward to this one. As always, George Clooney has impeccable taste for projects, so that’s already reason to be interested. Anton Corbijn crafts beautiful images out of everything, but with the Italian countryside at his disposal I expect a visual feast. If Control was any indication, Corbijn should have a great future in feature films.
