Mind of a Master

Jack walks down the steps from his apartment. He drives his car through the Italian countryside. He arrives at the local coffee shop. He makes a phone call to his employer. He begins the fashioning of a gun for a beautiful woman, an assignment from his boss. He goes to sleep. The sun sets and the next day follows much the same agenda. Over the course of his stay in this humble Italian town he befriends a priest and seeks out a prostitute who bring some color to his daily routine.


The American was plugged as the last summer blockbuster of 2010. If you're wanting car chases and big blow 'em up scenes you won't find it here. But you will find a methodical and pragmatic man who understands gun-making as an art form. The audience is made aware that Jack is the best at what he does, but he's slipping in his game as he struggles to maintain a island-like lifestyle while craving companionship.

This film largely exists in Jack's mind. We see him question who can be trusted as Swedish hitmen have managed to track him down. The slow unraveling of a master and his attempts to decipher who is on his side are intriguing to watch. While the pace of the film moves slowly at times, it is purposeful in capturing both the loneliness and perfectionism of a man set apart by his work. I was impressed by director Anton Corbjin's artistry captured in the intentionality of every scene.

***/****