Tuesday’s Top Trailer: The American

Welcome to a new weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

The American – Opening September 1, 2010



This trailer came to my attention as a result of an e-mail I received on behalf of the film announcing the trailer’s release. I’m happy to have clicked the link, since this looks like a wonderfully contemplative spy thriller that should give George Clooney another terrific role, and likely another Oscar nomination, and make for a very engaging and intriguing movie. It reminded me instantly of a less crowded “Syriana,” with considerably less (or rather, no) facial hair on Clooney’s face, but still about the same search for identity and purpose that CIA Agent Bob Barnes faced. Unlike something like “The Bourne Identity,” this likely isn’t all about the action scenes. Rather, it’s an exploration of character and deception which should prove quite interesting. I am delighted to see Thekla Reuten, an AFT Award winner for her limited performance in “In Bruges,” in the cast, and focusing on only a few characters should enable the film and the audience the opportunity to really get to know the characters. The early September release shouldn’t discount it from being one of the first major Oscar contenders to hit theaters, and even if the film doesn’t go too far, I imagine that Clooney likely will, because his first two Oscar nominations were for roles very similar to this one. Also of note is that this is from director Anton Corbijn, who made the well-received 2007 film “Control” which I unfortunately missed. I have a feeling that this will be a great film. Do you agree?