5.8
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The American
1998·Movie
·1h 24min·
The American fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Romance8
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody3
- Situational Comedy2
World
History, family, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The American is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumRomantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's romantic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, family, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
After the horror of the Civil War, 'ignorant' Christopher Newman made his fortune. He travels to France is search of cultural treasures. He won't get past the Paris nightlife. After an affair with a haughty painter, he falls in love with the daughter of the late marquis de Bellegarde. She was married off and traumatized by her abusive late husband for the family's sake. Her elder brother supports their ruthless mother, but junior Valentin is besotted with the artist and strikes a partnership with Christopher.
Period DramaTransatlantic RomanceSocial SatireCultural ClashFamily IntrigueForbidden LoveClass ConflictCharacter StudyEmotional Depth
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The American
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The American worth watching?
57
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 58/100 (IMDb 5.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 64%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The American?
1 h 24 min
The American runs 1 h 24 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The American?
Critics64
Audiences49
Not quite. Critics rate The American higher (64) than audiences (49). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The American in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does The American use?
RetironyUnproblematic ProstitutionContract on the HitmanButterfly of Death and RebirthWindow LoveGun StrippingTime-Delayed DeathAlas, Poor VillainBackwards-Firing GunHooker with a Heart of GoldWham LineScenery Pornand 23 more
TV Tropes lists 35 storytelling tropes for The American, including Retirony, Unproblematic Prostitution, Contract on the Hitman.