The Merry Gentleman

Kate Frazier (Kelly McDonald) has run away from an abusive husband. Attempting to re-build her life in a new town, she avoids questions about her past. Frank Logan (Michael Keaton) is a hitman suffering a crisis of conscience. He too keeps himself to himself, steering clear of human contact or friendship. When the paths of these two lonely souls cross one Christmas, an awkward-yet-tender friendship develops – with both parties respecting each other’s need for privacy. However, how long can you realistically keep a part of yourself private from those close to you?

That’s one of the central questions in this low-key directorial debut from Keaton. The Merry Gentleman is rich in atmosphere, and even offers the odd moment of humour, but at its heart are some dark themes. Its saving grace is a delightfully engaging performance from McDonald, whose Hollywood stock can only rise after this and her acclaimed appearance in the Coen Brothers’ No Country For Old Men. However, even she can’t totally convince us of the bond between Frazier and the considerably older Logan, while the film’s abrupt and open-ended climax is also something of a disappointment after what has preceded it.

Last edited: 24th November 2009