In the upcoming film “American Star,” Ian McShane showcases his signature cool and intimidating demeanor, bringing menace, remorse, and longing to life through understated yet powerful acting. Directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego, the thriller relies on McShane’s magnetic presence, allowing him to convey a range of emotions with minimal dialogue, relying on his eyes, face, and body language to tell a compelling story. As a hitman embarking on an assignment in a distant locale, McShane’s portrayal exudes the heft and danger characteristic of this understated genre.
The narrative unfolds over the initial 30 minutes, introducing Wilson (McShane), a hitman arriving on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura. The film meticulously follows his solitary activities, from picking up a rental car to examining an isolated house with an alarm code, providing a visual narrative that emphasizes Wilson’s poised and polished demeanor. López-Gallego’s direction, marked by meticulousness, captures the windswept Atlantic outpost and McShane’s character with serene and striking visuals.
The plot takes an intriguing turn when an unknown woman on a motorcycle disrupts Wilson’s inspection of the house, leading him to a swanky hotel to lay low. Through actions and interactions, character development unfolds, such as Wilson’s casual friendship with a young boy named Max. The film prioritizes McShane’s charismatic company, infusing the story with a mood characterized by guilt, loneliness, self-disgust, and resignation.
While American Star has a narrative to tell, it distinguishes itself by focusing on the atmospheric elements embodied by McShane’s protagonist. The film indulges in Wilson’s calm days and nights, maintaining a minimum of incidents in favor of immersing the audience in the character’s charismatic presence. As Wilson’s relationship with Gloria (Nora Arnezeder) and Max develops, the film introduces third-act revelations with a romantic noir fatalism that subtly creeps under the skin.
American Star, directed by López-Gallego, may not aim to shake the world with its modest ambitions as a genre film. However, it excels in its sureness of tone and temperament, surpassing many modern ventures in the genre. The film’s lead performance by Ian McShane stands out, reaffirming his status as an actor of unparalleled cool, capable of elevating any setting or scenario with his peerless presence.
