Your Other 8 Hours: The Power of Positive Prejudice
By Robert Pagliarini,
Tribune Media Services
Several weeks ago at a fundraising event, I was introduced to a man in his late 40s. He had perfect hair, a GQ grin and was dressed impeccably in a custom suit. The only thing that sparkled more than his white teeth was his gold Rolex. As I was shaking his hand, I immediately assessed what kind of person he was, but, after speaking with him, my initial characterization was destroyed and so was my spirit. I realized that I had unfairly (and inaccurately) prejudged who he was.
STARTING THIS WEEK: “THE AMERICAN”: The title is accurate in terms of this well-filmed vehicle for an unusually somber George Clooney, who really is the only American in the European-made story of a hit man who mulls getting out of the business and takes some downtime in Italy after a mission goes wrong. The locals make him feel welcome – particularly one woman (Violante Placido) he develops feelings for – but opening himself up to others increases the odds he won’t survive much longer. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary by director Anton Corbijn; deleted scenes. *** (R: AS, N, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
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