Review of The Merry Gentleman (2008) by Braden . — 10 Aug 2010

Slow moving films are always the best and for a specific reason. Slow films are the ones that pay strong attention to detail and ultimately deliver the strongest emotional impact. The Merry Gentleman is one of those films.

It is an unexpectedly powerful and uniquely moving drama that is not at all what it appears to be, but in a good way. The characters are the heart and soul of this picture and they are perfectly played.

Michael Keaton, who also wonderfully directed this little film, delivers a beautifully played performance. Any lesser actor could have easily made this character into a dull subject but Keaton is such a complex actor that he made this character into someone I deeply cared about.

Actors like Keaton are difficult to find. Kelly Macdonald conveys the vulnerable and innocent nature of her character brilliantly. She makes her character into an extremely lovable person and I admired her greatly for that because this character could have easily been portrayed in a silly manner but thankfully Macdonald is a great actress who understands her character to the point where she becomes her and not only portrays her.

Bobby Cannavale is in this film for only a short amount of time but he definitely had a memorable presence and made his character interesting. Tom Bastounes, who I know nothing about, is excellent in an important supporting role.

These actors really made me appreciate the story, especially Keaton and Macdonald who are magnificent. Everyone should have the patience and virtue to appreciate a good story. It would be a crime for someone not to care about this film, it's far too moving and beautifully made.

The Merry Gentleman is just a really beautiful film.