Clooney is 'American' in Italy

Photographer and music video director turned director Anton Corbijn is ready to begin production on his second directorial effort titled "The American" in Italy this week. The film stars George Clooney as an American assassin on assignment in Italy. The Corbijn film based off the 2005 novel A Very Private Gentleman and is backed by Focus Features. To read a full synopsis on "The American" follow the jump...

Focus Features provided this official 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.

Corbijn whose first film Control focused on the life and suicide of Ian Curtis, the front man to Joy Division, was a vivid depiction of Curtis' life and gave me hope for further films directed by the talent. With Clooney on board and with what sounds like an interesting story I am more than excited for "The American". We all know Clooney is a natural talent and brings a certain enjoyability to every role he plays, but having him under the direction of Corbijn is extremely intriguing. What is even more enticing is add the fact that Corbijn has brought back Martin Ruhe, who served as his cinematographer on Control to shoot "The American". More news is certain to follow on "The American" as it develops...

What say you? Clooney as an assassin in Italy have you intrigued? Strikeback...