While there is nothing merry about "The Merry Gentleman," which had its debut at this year's Sundance Film Festival, there is quiet drama with a touch of romance. This indie love story offers thoughtful directing by Michael Keaton, in his directorial debut, plus some nice acting, with a slightly quirky, if somewhat slow, story about two lonely people.
Despite its title, "The Merry Gentleman" is not a comedy but an understated drama that is part romance and part mystery but not really either. At center is an unlikely romance between a woman who fled an abusive husband (Kelly MacDonald) and a suicidal hit man (Michael Keaton). The title likely refers to their meeting on Christmas Eve, when the decidedly un-merry hitman turns up at her apartment building just in time to rescue her from under a large Christmas tree she was trying to wrestle a Christmas tree up the stairs to her apartment. The scene is not played as comedy but odd, near-comic, ironic little turns like this are sprinkled throughout the film.
But, overall, "The Merry Gentleman" is a drama and a character study, elevated by fine acting and skillful directing. The plot is more important for setting the stage for the characters. Following a beating that leaves her with a black eye, Kate Frazier (Kelly Macdonald) flees her abusive husband. She secretly starts a new life in another city, where she tells no one about her past. Shortly before Christmas, chance brings her in contact with Frank Logan (Michael Keaton), a contract hit man (Michael Keaton) who in his day job is a tailor.
Logan was carrying out a hit on a businessman in Kate's building, using the roof of the building across the street, when she first glimpses him. When they later meet, she is unaware of who he is. However, the event involves her in the police investigation.
These two quiet people with secrets become romantically involved. A kind of romantic triangle evolves when the police detective investigating the contract killing becomes romantically interested in her.
Michael Keaton's directorial debut shows a deft touch, which combined with some fine acting, lifts the drama above ordinary. It is a small film but clearly shows the director's potential as well as his acting skill. The photography is grey, moody and has some interesting camera work but has a style that creates the perfect contemplative mood for this tale about two people adrift.
The acting is restrained but that seems to add a touch of realism to an otherwise absurd premise. Kelly MacDonald's Scottish accent adds an irresistible appeal to her quiet, private character. Keaton's character is drawn out by her gentleness and straight-forward honesty. The laconic hitman and the shy, private woman are a good match but the scenes between them are so restrained that they do not generate much romantic chemistry. The hitman's steady, thoughtful nature are a sharp contrast to her would-be policeman suitor, who is all craftiness and cluelessness, an icon of male romantic clumsiness, who also reflects traits her abusive, self-absorbed husband.
Nice supporting work is provided by Tom Bastounes as the police detective and Bobby Cannavale's brief turn as her husband is dramatically powerful.
"The Merry Gentleman" is a nicely-drawn little indie film, not an unqualified success but an interesting drama, although it is hardly essential viewing. Michael Keaton shows he has promise as a film director, as well as still having dramatic acting chops. The film is worthwhile as a showcase for those talents and is recommended for those in the mood for a quiet, moody film with touch of romance.
Our Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
"The Merry Gentleman" is playing exclusively at Plaza Frontenac Cinema.
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