The Merry Gentleman

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The Merry Gentleman

R

Released May 1, 2009

1h 36m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

65%

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78 Reviews

50%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

On the run from an abusive husband, Kate Frazier (Kelly Macdonald) settles in Chicago in search of a better life. She meets Frank Logan (Michael Keaton), a man who is tormented by a dark secret. The two are kindred spirits, and a tentative friendship forms. But, as events unfold, Frank is forced to confront his past, while Kate struggles to find the strength she needs to stand on her own.

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Critics Consensus

Michael Keaton's directorial debut, The Merry Gentleman, is a slow character study aided greatly by the performances of Keaton and Kelly MacDonald.

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Hank Sartin

Time Out

Rated: 3/5

Nov 24, 2011

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Angie Errigo

Empire Magazine

Despite memorable scenes, the narrative's aim is never clear: is this a crime drama, dark comedy or a May-December romance?

Rated: 2/5

Dec 4, 2009

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

The film never quite convinces as anything other than a puff-piece for Keaton, but it is bolstered by another deeply empathetic turn from Macdonald.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 4, 2009

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Michael Leader

Den of Geek

While Keaton may have retreated from Burtonland to the world of indie film production, he has come back bearing The Merry Gentleman, a pleasant, if ultimately a little uninspiring, gem.

Rated: 3/5

May 7, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Kelly Macdonald's performance is one of understated beauty.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 22, 2021

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

An impressive piece for veteran actor Michael Keaton's directorial debut.

Rated: 7/10

Nov 29, 2020

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Darren B

I don't usually notice bad writing in a movie but the dialogue often makes no sense, logical flaws in the movie, and lots of bad hammy acting. Id have given it only half a star but it's so bad at times it made me laugh out loud so it gets a higher rating

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

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Georgan G

Character study of two people who seem very different at the outset, but show similarities as the plot developes. The acting is outstanding.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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S K

This movie was amazing. Micheal Keaton is very sexy. Best actor in the world, possibly universe. Would like to see him direct more because this blew my mind. Anyone that says differently doesn’t understand good story telling. Love, Micheal Keaton

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/27/24

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Alex A

This is a great movie. Keaton is a really good director. After watching Knox Goes Away and finding out Michael Keaton directed it, I had to find out what else he directed. Went to straight IMDb and find this little gem. My best guess for the low audience rating is the way it ended. It was so far from your typical Hollywood happy ending most people couldn’t handle it. To me it is a very intelligent ending. Resulting from an intelligent cast of actors. And from an intelligent director and screenplay. Not to mention the great soundtrack. I really really hope Michael Keaton directs more. I’m a cinephile and his movies rank pretty high up the ladder.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/23/24

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A.L.Jude P

Excellent but the end results made a lame spot.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/18/23

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Jim S

A great movie. 'Hard to like'?!? Who thinks so? Not someone who can pay attention for longer than five seconds. This is one Michael Keaton's best performances. And that is a considerable standard. He directs this movie and is wise and generous enough to let Kathy Riley be the center of gravity. Keaton is so quiet, so disciplined in his acting style for this character that, e.g., though he's present on screen from the first shot, he doesn't say a word of dialogue until twenty two minutes into the film. This is a character-driven story about people, not predictable stereotypes. Keaton never gets in-your-face about it, yet as the story progresses, it may occur to the viewer that the good guys are pretty bad and the bad guy has a lot of good in him. It's subtle, nobody really changes; it's not a romantic melodrama. This a thoughtful piece, expertly executed, by one the most intelligent actors alive. If it's "hard to like," that's on you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/29/23

Full Review

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Michael Keaton

Director

Kelly Macdonald

Kate Frazier

Michael Keaton

Frank Logan

Tom Bastounes

Murcheson

Bobby Cannavale

Michael

Darlene Hunt

Diane

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Synopsis

On the run from an abusive husband, Kate Frazier (Kelly Macdonald) settles in Chicago in search of a better life. She meets Frank Logan (Michael Keaton), a man who is tormented by a dark secret. The two are kindred spirits, and a tentative friendship forms. But, as events unfold, Frank is forced to confront his past, while Kate struggles to find the strength she needs to stand on her own.

Director: Michael Keaton
Producer: Tom Bastounes, Ron Lazzeretti, Steven A. Jones
Screenwriter: Ron Lazzeretti
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Production Co: Southwater Pictures
Rating: R (Language|Some Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 1, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $346.3K
Runtime: 1h 36m

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