Anton Corbijn's follow-up to Control in the thriller The American starring George Clooney as an assassin out on his final assignment with a script by Rowan Joffe adapted from Martin Booth's novel. Corbijn's Control was unfortunately overlooked, but the casting of Clooney guarantees this one won't be which means other facets may also get recognized whereas they were dismissed before, such as Martin Ruhe for cinematography (which was spectacular in Control).

The American is directed by Anton Corbijn and the MPAA has rated it R for violence, sexual content and nudity.

The cast includes George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Thekla Reuten, Violante Placido and Johan Leysen.

Alone among assassins, Jack (Clooney) is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Larry (Johan Leysen) 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 (Thekla Reuten), is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues romance with local woman Clara (Violante Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.