3D Butterfly

3D Butterfly

As in all excellent storytelling, the narrator(in this case the director) makes use of symbols to convey a message that is never spoken but needs to be understood. In The American, Anton Corbijn uses a butterfly. Throughout the movie we see references to a butterfly or the actual butterfly. Clooney's nickname becomes infused with it. It's the play on this creature that gives depth to this film beyond whats seen on the surface. The butterfly is a symbol of change. When going to see The American be sure to remember that fact and keep an eye out for it and any wordplay surrounding it.

3D Butterfly