"Madama Butterfly" Makes Appearance in George Clooney Film

George Clooney keeping his butterfly in shape.
Click image to enlarge the tattoo.

The American, a 2010 thriller starring George Clooney as an assasin, features a scene where his character has dinner with one of the local priests of Castel del Monte. What else would be playing in the background but Puccini? Specifically "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly sung by Maria Callas. The choice most certainly has to do with the tattoo that Clooney's character has on his back of a butterfly. In fact the two female leads, one also an assassin and the other a prostitute, refer to him in the film as Mr. Butterfly. A synopsis and trailer for the film are after the jump.

"Alone among assassins, Jack is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Pavel that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde, is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate." [Source]