The American

The American

Year: 2010

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Anton Corbijn

DramaThrillerCrime

A lone American assassin, Jack, seeks refuge in Italy's picturesque Abruzzo region after a botched job leaves him reeling. As he settles into a quiet life, Jack becomes embroiled with a mysterious contact, takes up with a stunning local woman, Clara, and forms an unlikely bond with a priest. But his attempts to leave danger behind may only invite it back into his life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The American yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The American (2010)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The American (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film unfolds in contemporary times, allowing Jack's character to navigate modern dilemmas of love, betrayal, and survival. This modern setting amplifies the stakes involved in his double life as an assassin and his quest for redemption amidst haunting memories.

Location

Sweden, Rome, Abruzzo

The movie traverses through several picturesque locations. Sweden serves as the initial backdrop, characterized by its serene snow-covered landscapes that hold a dark secret. Rome, with its rich history and vibrant life, presents a stark contrast to Jack's quiet life as a contract killer, while Abruzzo, with its stunning mountainous terrain, becomes a refuge and a site of emotional upheaval for Jack.

🇸🇪 Sweden 🇮🇹 Italy ⛰️ Mountains

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Main Characters – The American (2010)
Meet the key characters of The American (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack (Edward)

Jack, a skilled gunsmith and contract killer, is a complex character wrestling with the repercussions of his past decisions. His cold exterior hides an emotional depth, as he navigates love and betrayal while evading danger. Jack's profound internal conflict manifests through his interactions with those around him, revealing a longing for connection yet an awareness of his violent life.

🔫 Assassin ❤️ Love 🔍 Identity

Ingrid

Ingrid is Jack's lover whose life is tragically affected by his choices. Initially portrayed as a supportive figure, her fate takes a dark turn due to Jack’s grim realities. Her shock and confusion reveal the emotional burden placed on those who love individuals wrapped in secrecy and danger.

❤️ Lost Love 😢 Tragedy 🌨️ Snow

Clara

Clara embodies a duality of strength and vulnerability, forming an emotional bond with Jack despite his turbulent life. As a character who offers her services as a prostitute, she also becomes a romantic interest, showing resilience amidst the chaos. Clara's growing love for Jack highlights her longing for connection and stability in an unstable environment.

❤️ Love 💪 Strength 🎨 Art

Pavel

Pavel serves as Jack's handler, epitomizing the dangers of Jack's profession. His warnings underscore the necessity of caution and emotional detachment in Jack's life. Pavel's pragmatic perspective adds depth to the film, illustrating the precarious balance between loyalty and survival.

🔍 Handler ⚠️ Caution 🕵️‍♂️ Mentor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Major Themes – The American (2010)
Explore the central themes of The American (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Loss

The film explores the poignant theme of love intertwined with loss, as Jack grapples with his complicated feelings for Ingrid and Clara. His actions driven by love lead to devastating consequences, as he must reconcile his past with his desire for a new future. The fragility of relationships in the face of danger shapes Jack's journey, making love a bittersweet motivation throughout the narrative.

🔫 Betrayal

Betrayal lurks in every corner of Jack's life, whether it's his shocking act against Ingrid or the looming threats from his profession. As he navigates a life riddled with deception, the consequences of his choices weigh heavily on him. This theme highlights the internal struggles Jack faces as he tries to balance his life as an assassin with his yearning for authentic connections.

🌪️ Identity & Transformation

Jack's journey reveals profound themes of identity and personal transformation. Starting as a skilled gunsmith living a double life, he adopts new personas while fleeing from his past. The tension between who he is and who he pretends to be drives his quest for redemption, challenging the notion of self and the cost of attempting to escape one's history.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Similar Movies to The American
Discover movies like The American that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.