Film

Is The American Really About America?

No, not all, and other confusing geographical movie names

by Josh Kurp   |   Sep 2, 2010

Is The American Really About America?

Okay, that’s pretty American right there (Photo: Giles Keyte)

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George Clooney’s new film, The American, opened yesterday to middling reviews (currently at 60% on Rotten Tomatoes). Serves him right! After all, the film’s title is a lie. Yes, George Clooney is an American, but the movie takes place in Sweden and Italy, neither of which are in either North or South America.

Sadly, this isn’t the first time this has happened. Below are 13 more examples of a movie being named after a country, but having little or nothing to do with the country it’s named after (note: we didn’t include examples like My Big Fat Greek Wedding because, well, ’nuff said).

Chinatown

http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/polanski/images/enlarged/bfi-00m-mxj.jpg

About China? No, although at least some of the film takes place in Chinatown—in California.

India.Arie: Music in High Places

http://images.artistdirect.com/Images/Sources/AMGCOVERS/music/cover200/drk800/k871/k87187zx66b.jpg

About India? No. In fact, India.Arie’s not even from India; she was born in Denver!

Brazil

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/30/brazildvd.jpg

About Brazil? No, unless Brazil has renegade air conditioning repairmen.

Dracula in Pakistan

http://inspiration.bfandd.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lolly2.jpg

About Pakistan? Actually, yes, but I just wanted to mention this movie, and I doubt I’ll get another chance.

Japanese Story

http://www.musicweb-international.com/film/2004/Sep04/japanese_story.jpg

About Japan? Although the male lead is Japanese, the movie takes place in Australia. So, no.

The Mexican

http://www.cinema.com/image_lib/3895_heading.jpg

About Mexico? In a way, but “The Mexican” isn’t a person; it’s the name of a gun. Demerits for confusion.

Jive Turkey

http://www.jive-turkey.net/jive-turkey.gif

About Turkey? The film also goes by Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes. Sorry Turkey, but I’m sure you’re used to it.

Congo

http://www.posters.ws/images/837324/congo.jpg

About Congo? I only know one thing about the country of Congo: it’s plagued by killer gorillas. I assume that’s accurate.

Jamaica Inn

http://volotov.com/images/large/159220071126042541.jpg

About Jamaica? In name (of a bar) only.

Genetic Chile

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NFeDQr1AL.jpg

About Chile? The pepper, yes. The country, no.

Israel Vibration: Live & Jammin’

http://cdn.7static.com/static/img/sleeveart/00/004/146/0000414609_350.jpg

About Israel? I’ll admit that us Jews know how to get down, but no, it’s not.

Kathy Ireland’s Absolutely Fit

http://img.books4share.net/files/pics/3011/3010023/img_1_th.jpg

About Ireland? I wish.

Georgia Rule

http://www.celebritywonder.com/wp/Jane_Fonda_in_Georgia_Rule_Wallpaper_2_800.jpg

About Georgia? Yet again, America—and Lindsday Lohan—steal the spotlight. U-S-A!