Kelly Macdonald, Darlene Hunt, Randall Jones

A woman leaves an abusive relationship to begin a new life in a new city, where she forms an unlikely and ironic relationship with a suicidal hit man (unbeknownst to her). Enter a worn, alcoholic dete...( read more  read more... )ctive to form the third party in a very unusual triangle as this story begins to unfold.

Flixster Users

44% liked it

255 ratings

Critics

67% liked it

49 critics

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Michael Keaton

Release Date: May 1, 2009

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: November 10, 2009

Stats: 92 reviews

Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Your Rating



clear rating
Share on: Facebook Twitter

Flixster Reviews (92)


  • May 4, 2009
    Frank Logan: I found a girl under a Christmas tree.

    I managed to catch a commercial for this film randomly and saw a chance to support Michael Keaton at the theater. Not only does he star in this little indie film, but he served as director as well. Its a drama concerning a man ...( read more)with a secret profession and a woman with a dark past finding each other.

    Keaton plays Frank Logan, a suicidal hit man with a nasty cough. The film is set in the big city during Christmas season, and its very apparent that Frank doesn't enjoy his life. Frank's activities bring him into the life of Kate, played by Kelly Macdonald and using her Scottish accent for a change, a woman new to the city with a black eye.

    One night, Kate spots a man about to possibly jump from the top of a building. She screams, he doesn't. The next day a couple of detectives question her about a murder that took place in her building, opposite the one with the man on the roof. Soon after that, Kate and Frank stumble upon each other, eventually forming a relationship of sorts.

    The story turns into a sort of love triangle between these two characters and a detective. Its a different kind of drama that applies the awkwardness of human interaction with a deadly streak underneath it all. The movie very much downplays any thriller aspects that could emerge from Frank's profession. Instead, its a slow burn that applies real human drama to the situations.

    The movie is very well made as well as offbeat, but its limited opening is certainly a sign that this movie wont be for everyone. That being said, I'm a fan of Michael Keaton and it would be nice to see him get larger film roles in the future. Both he and Macdonald are great in this film.

    Kate Frazier: You may be the sweetest man I've ever met.
  • October 3, 2009
    Impressive direction by Michael Keaton, very thoughtful and deep. The leisurely pacing is a plus for this movie. The performances are impressive, especially Kelly MacDonald. Nicely photographed, good score. A fine and well written film.
  • May 28, 2009
    Add a review (optional)...
  • May 3, 2009
    you kidding me? these writers are crazy... where does it come from?
  • May 2, 2009
    Por lo que pinta va a estar buena, la quiero ver...
  • May 1, 2009
    love to watch romance
  • May 1, 2009
    toooo history war type
  • April 28, 2009
    ward.syria@hotmail.com
  • April 28, 2009
    I whant dowlad tha is

Critic Reviews


June 11, 2009
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

A sly and surprisingly sublime little noir romance, which marks the directing debut of Michael Keaton. full review

May 7, 2009
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

An overly muted and cautious piece of work. Watching it is like seeing a man ease out onto the limb of a tree, constantly testing its strength. full review

May 1, 2009
Kyle Smith, New York Post

The potential for suspense is dropped in favor of lots of hushed interludes in which nothing happens. full review

April 30, 2009
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

The director's vision has dictated his acting choices, and that vision has been clouded by Ron Lazzaretti's sententious script. full review

April 30, 2009
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The Merry Gentleman is original, absorbing and curiously moving in ways that are far from expected. full review

View more The Merry Gentleman reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


This board looks lonely. Be the first to talk about "The Merry Gentleman" !

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Official Trailer

More Like This


This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Theater Showtimes & TV Listings


The Merry Gentleman Trivia


  • Out of the list below,which movie did Michael Keaton direct?  Answer »
  • Micheal "The Swinger" Keaton Movie? The Merry Gentleman  Answer »

Movie Quizzes


No quizzes for The Merry Gentleman. Want to create one?

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?