Today we are virtually traveling to the region of Abruzzo where the movie “The American” was shot. The protagonist George Clooney is a good enough reason to watch this blockbuster movie if Abruzzo doesn’t entice you 😉 The American is a story of a gunsmith’s last assignment and was extensively shot during and after the time when Abruzzo suffered a devastating earthquake.
Although the original plan was to shoot the movie in the city of L’Aquila, the directors had to change it and move the shooting locations to Sulmona, Pacentro and Castel del Monte.
Both the towns and the region itself turned out to be a surprise for me!!
Dark dreamy sets and endless stretch of countryside with a certain remoteness is obsessive.
Throughout the movie I was awed by Abruzzo’s barren structure.
I found deep character in the small towns and you know how much I love small towns in Italy. Without giving away the story, I’d also say the director incorporated a lot of daily life of people of the town which was amazing.
For instance, something as simple as Clooney having Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (a very famous wine of the region) or his relationship with the local priest, saying grazie when required was so so beautiful. The movie also showcases a local religious festival at the end.
Have you seen this movie or better yet traveled to this wonderful region? Let me know your thoughts! below! In the meantime, let’s watch the movie again. Buy the movie DVD here.
Post updated 2021- I’ve still not been to Abruzzo but I hope that I can visit this intriguing region soon! Favorite Blogs on Abruzzo:
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15 Comments
Martin D. Redmond
September 8, 2015 at 2:43 amWonderful post Ishita. I vaguely remember seeing this movie. But your description of it, and getting to know the region a bit has got me wanting to see it again. Thanks!
Ishita
September 8, 2015 at 2:05 pmThank you Martin 🙂 I am glad the description helped coz I haven’t been there yet either but the movie took me there!
timelessitaly
September 8, 2015 at 12:22 amWell done, Ishita…i’m ready to go exploring now!
Ishita
September 8, 2015 at 12:45 amMe too Susan, lets head there together 😀
timelessitaly
September 8, 2015 at 2:14 amWe would have the time of our lives Ishita! I don’t doubt it one bit…
culinarycam
September 6, 2015 at 12:23 amI did see that movie! Loved it.
Ishita
September 6, 2015 at 1:59 amMe too 😀
Vino Travels (@VinoTravels21)
September 5, 2015 at 10:56 pmMovies can be a great way to learn about a region. I’ll have to check this out. Looks pretty interesting. I’m actually watching something with Clooney right now ; )
Ishita
September 6, 2015 at 1:59 amAbsolutely Jen! Which movie did you see today?
foodwineclick
September 5, 2015 at 9:01 pmhello Ishita, I enjoyed this movie several years ago. Now I need to find it and watch it again with my recent interest in Italy!
Ishita
September 6, 2015 at 1:59 amYou must watch it soon then!
blogginginitaly
September 5, 2015 at 7:11 pmHome of my paternal grandfather – it’s beautiful and interesting as you note.
Ishita
September 6, 2015 at 2:24 amYou are so lucky to be from such a wonderful region of Italy.
Caridad Isabel Barragan
September 5, 2015 at 4:20 pmI’ve often driven through Abruzzo from Umbria and once stayed in Vasto on the seaside. I must say it is a beautiful region and I hope to stay in once of the towns you described: enchanting!
Ishita
September 5, 2015 at 4:59 pmThank you for stopping by 🙂 I am fascinated by this region. Have read a lot on Vasto as well. Someday <3