The film follows a hit man named Wilson. Sent to Fuerteventura to kill a certain man, his plans are put on hold when the target doesn't show up. With time to kill Wilson begins to take in the island and the ghost ship, the American Star. It's a stay that begins to change the hardened killer.
It took me a little bit to get into AMERICAN STAR, but once I did I was all in. The reason for this was that this is less a thriller or action film but instead a drama and a character study. We are in Wilson's head space and traveling at his pace and as a result it may take a few minutes to connect, but once we do we end up deeply moved.
That AMERICAN STAR is as effective as it is is do entirely to Ian McShane's performance. Coming much too early to be considered for next year's Oscar (everyone will forget it), it is one for the ages, with years of pain and suffering filling his every gesture and look. The final shots of the film take full advantage of his 80 plus years as he shifts from a spry middle-aged hit-man into a man broken by time and tide. It's a performance that needs to be hailed and studied because it is simply that good.
And as a result this film kicks serious ass. I was moved. The ending left me shaken. Non-festival films in January are not supposed to be this good. This is just a wow sort of film.
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