The Merry Gentleman (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:50
Fresh:33
Rotten:17
Average Rating:5.9/10
Consensus: Michael Keaton's directorial debut, The Merry Gentleman, is a slow character study aided greatly by the performances of Keaton and Kelly MacDonald.
Theatrical Release:May 1, 2009 Limited
Box Office: $291,677
Synopsis: A delicacy of tone transforms Michael Keaton's The Merry Gentleman from what might have been a pedestrian tale into a beautifully romantic fable. Directed, photographed, and performed with a... [More]
Starring: Michael Keaton, Kelly MacDonald, Tom Bastounes, Bobby Cannavale
Director: Michael Keaton
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Reviews for The Merry Gentleman
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
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 1.5/5 |
Click to read the article Full Review |
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2/4 |
It's a confused muddle, and as a result, the film never really finds its footing -- and it never seems to have any narrative momentum. Full Review |
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 88/100 |
...a formally minimalist film that focuses onsurface description, eschews expository dialogue and expects theaudience to collaborate in its story-making. Full Review |
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3/4 |
As a quiet, sad character piece, it strikes the appropriate nerves. Full Review |
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2/5 |
Filled more with character studies than narrative intrigues, The Merry Gentleman also provides only sketchy personality details and background information. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Macdonald's performance is one of understated beauty. Full Review |
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3.5/5 |
Keaton builds the tension nicely. Payoffs aren't as important to him as establishing a mood, a tone (mostly bleak). Patient, at times to a fault, he allows the characters to build over time. Full Review |
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B+ |
Michael Keaton the actor should work with Michael Keaton the director more. Full Review |
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3/4 |
A nice little independent film built around Kelly Macdonald's sweet personality and charming Scottish accent as surely as if it were a star vehicle developed for a contract player during the golden age of the Hollywood studio system. Full Review |
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C |
Keaton offers glimpses of a directorial gift, but this odd little piece feels like warm-up for something more compelling. Full Review |
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3/4 |
As an actor and now as a promising first-time director, Keaton's keen instincts serve him well. Full Review |
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B- |
Isn't the sort of picture that grabs you from the start, but the tale of two loners who find one another gradually grows on you. Full Review |
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3/4 |
That this gloomy movie partly succeeds is a credit to the sharp dialogue, the fine cast and the directing debut of a reluctant star. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
The film is never as good as its parts -- some of which are very good indeed. But Keaton knows how to control the medium and establishes a palpable mood without getting all artsy. It’s a good start. Full Review |
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A slow build to nowhere. Full Review |
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With just a few tweaks, The Merry Gentleman could have made a wickedly funny parody of the over-earnest, lyrically hard-edged indie movie. But it's too late for do-overs. Full Review |
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3.5/5 |
The Merry Gentleman is not destined to be some massive mainstream hit. Instead, it's a slight indie effort that offers innumerable charms without totally testing your patience. Full Review |
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3.5/4 |
A sly and surprisingly sublime little noir romance, which marks the directing debut of Michael Keaton. Full Review |
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An interesting film with some really well thought out and well grounded characters and I was surprised by it. Full Review |
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A lot goes on in this film without much being said, a credit to Keaton, who shoots it deliberately and thoughtfully, in a film demonstrating there should be a lot more work on both sides of the camera ahead for Michael Keaton. Full Review |
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