The American
The American Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The American
| Movie | The American |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| Director | Anton Corbijn |
| Genre | Crime / Drama / Thriller |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The American (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The American are led by George Clooney . The supporting cast, including Violante Placido and Thekla Reuten , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The American does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The American has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The American
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2010, The American is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film directed by Anton Corbijn, written by Rowan Joffé. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving George Clooney as Jack / Edward.
What Is the Story of The American?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, assassin Jack embarks on a double life that may be more relaxing than is good for him. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is The American Structured?
- Opening Hook: The American establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Anton Corbijn introducing George Clooney as Jack / Edward in the opening act, and over its 104-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. George Clooney's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with George Clooney's arc reaching resolution. Anton Corbijn's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: The American
The American Ending Explained: Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, assassin Jack embarks on a double life that may be more relaxing than is good for him. Directed by Anton Corbijn, this 2010 crime film stars George Clooney (Jack / Edward), alongside Violante Placido as Clara, Thekla Reuten as Mathilde, Paolo Bonacelli as Father Benedetto. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The American?
Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, assassin Jack embarks on a double life that may be more relaxing than is good for him.
How Does George Clooney (Jack / Edward)'s Story End?
- George Clooney: George Clooney's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Violante Placido (Clara): Violante Placido's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Thekla Reuten (Mathilde): Thekla Reuten's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The American Mean?
The American's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving George Clooney may feel rushed. Anton Corbijn's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution. Based on 1,506 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.
The American Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The American Based on a True Story?
Yes, The American draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Anton Corbijn and starring George Clooney, this crime, drama, thriller film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The American
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The American uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The American?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of George Clooney or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The American
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $67.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The American Budget
The estimated production budget for The American is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The American Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe American Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about The American age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The American (2010) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Anton Corbijn, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, The American is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The American worth watching?
The American is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The American parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The American identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The American (2010)?
The runtime of The American (2010) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
