Review of The Merry Gentleman (2008) by Tony P — 07 Jan 2010
It's a drag, but not without its golden moments of quiet intensity. The first few minutes are hypnotically somber and smoothly orchestrated. The script offers some lovely symbolism, but as the story progresses, the focus tightens on the new-girl-in-town rather than the significantly more interesting suicidal assassin.
When the two characters finally converge, Keaton and MacDonald command the screen with a fascinating, carefully tender companionship. Unfortunately this magic is dilluded by an intentionally invasive alcoholic detective whose weak acting gets irritating as he turns out to be a full supporting character.
Keaton saves the movie with his performance and his smart, reserved choices behind the camera. Not to say his directing debut isn't faulty, it is. But it's promising.
This review of The Merry Gentleman (2008) was written by Tony P on 07 Jan 2010.
The Merry Gentleman has generally received mixed reviews.
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