Anton Corbijn’s Next: ‘The American’ With George Clooney
Photographer, director and all around visual genius Anton Corbijn is set to begin production this week on his second feature length film, The American, in Italy with George Clooney starring in the title role, according to press release from Focus Features, who will be handling distribution of the film worldwide. Corbijn, whose previous feature was the Joy Division biography Control is probably best know for having directed a ton of music videos and for being an incredibly gifted and stylish photographer. The new film, previously known under the name A Very Private Gentleman, is an adaptation of the 2005 novel by Martin Booth with a screenplay by Rowan Joffe whose lone feature film credit is the screenplay for 28 Weeks Later.
Synopsis: Alone among assassins, Jack (played by Mr. 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 (Bruce Altman of this fall’s Peter and Vandy) 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 of Focus’ award-winning In Bruges), is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Italian screen and stage veteran Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues romance with local woman Clara (Italian leading lady Violante Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.
