Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2011

The plot in this slow-burn, deliberately paced art house Euro-thriller is not new: A cold-blooded, soul-weary professional assassin preparing for One Last Job is inspired through his interactions with a priest and a hooker to re-examine his hollow life and begins the slow journey back to humanity. But (co-producer) George Clooney, acting against type, puts in a spot-on, understated performance as the unlikable, unknowable fellow, and makes us care. Fans expecting another charismatic Ocean’s-type character may be disappointed. Ditto action flick adherents. The director is Anton Corbjin, who made Control as well as several high-profile music videos, so this is best viewed as an exercise in style. Those with the energy to keep up with the plot and who possess the requisite patience, however, will find much to appreciate. Despite the lack of gunfights and car chases, Corbjin slowly builds up the dread factor as the details of the aforementioned Last Job emerge. It’s old-fashioned filmmaking, focusing on the details. Not unlike The Day of the Jackal but considerably sparer. And there are no politics whatsoever. Adapted from Martin Booth’s 1990 novel, A Very Private Gentleman. Also Johan Leysen, Violante Placido, Thelda Reuten and Paolo Bonacelli.