Synopsis
A woman who 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 detective to form the third party in a very unusual triangle as this story begins to unfold.
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Cast
- Michael KeatonFrank Logan
- Kelly MacdonaldKate Frazier
- Tom BastounesDave Murcheson
- Mike BradecichJerry
- Debbi BurnsOffice Worker at Christmas Party
- Maritza CabreraRestaurant Patron
- Bobby CannavaleMichael
- Esther ClaireRestaurant Patron
- William DickMr. Weiss
- Lori Ann GerdischFemale Co-Worker
Recommendations
- 90
The Hollywood Reporter
An edgy entertainment, the movie also remarkably has the feel-good warmth of an old-time Irish film. - 90
Los Angeles Times
A dark and lovely drama about the complications of human connections that is Michael Keaton's impressive directing debut. - 90
The New York Times
The film’s title, needless to say, has an ironic bite. One of the pleasures of The Merry Gentleman is Mr. Keaton's commitment to that bite, which never registers as cruel or gratuitous, just honest, weary, sad. - 88
Chicago Sun-Times
Original, absorbing and curiously moving. - 70
Variety
Despite its shortcomings as a plausible, compelling story, The Merry Gentleman, Michael Keaton's directorial debut, exhibits genuine promise behind the camera. - 67
The A.V. Club
If ever a film needed a double shot of espresso and a swift kick in the caboose, it's this one. At best, the film is hypnotic; at worst, it challenges--no, dares--audiences not to fall asleep. - 40
Village Voice
Keaton, who took over directing duties from ill-stricken screenwriter Ron Lazzeretti before shooting started, inherited a stock-still story of two lonely souls and never develops their rapport. - 38
New York Post
The potential for suspense is dropped (there's a subplot about the receptionist's flight from her violent husband, but he appears in only a couple of scenes) in favor of lots of hushed interludes in which nothing happens.
