Entertainment

<< Previous   of   Next >> Associated Press / Sundance Film Festival  (click to enlarge) Michael Keaton (left) plays a hit man and Kelly Macdonald an abused wife in "The Merry Gentleman."   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Friday, June 19, 2009 Michael Keaton delivers quality in directing debut By Robert Horton Herald Movie Critic If you heard that the frequently manic actor Michael Keaton had directed his first movie, "low-key minimalism" might not be the first expectation to spring to mind. We're talking about "Beetlejuice" here. Ah, but remember Keaton's toned-down intensity in his "Batman" outings, and you begin to sense his approach to "The Merry Gentleman." This isn't the film's only surprise; the other is how ­really good it is. Keaton also plays the lead role: Frank Logan, a hit man who works in a tailor shop as cover. Why does he kill people? What does he do with his money? Who is this guy? Don't expect the answers, because the movie isn't interested in exploring those particular questions. (See "minimalism" reference, above.) While on a job, Logan sees (and is seen by, sort of) a young woman named Kate (Kelly Macdonald). She's recently come to the city to escape an abusive husband (Bobby Canavale). Logan enters her life. Does he plan to kill her? We don't know. Also entering the scene: Two police detectives, one of whom (Tom Bastounes) would kind of like to ask Kate on a date. Bastounes, who's marvelous in the understated role, is also one of the film's producers. His partner is played by Guy Van Swearingen, and it is typical of this movie's even-handed style that this actor, a pretty obscure performer, is given some of the film's best lines (and he nails them). The directing style Keaton applies here is calm, stately and alive to changing weather and mood. Like his character, it doesn't say much out loud, but you sure can tell a lot by looking at it. Macdonald (speaking in her natural Scottish accent, a running joke for the way it makes men swoon) is a strong, silent presence herself. Although Ron Lazzeretti's script takes place in a traditionally male milieu, the film actually has some things to say about the inept ways the men have of treating her. Maybe the fact that they all call this grown woman a "girl" is a clue. "The Merry Gentleman" fell to Keaton to direct when Lazzeretti suffered a ruptured appendix shortly before shooting was to begin. Given the precise, insightful nature of the dialogue, here's hoping Mr. Lazzeretti stays healthy for awhile. "The Merry ­Gentleman" A fine minimalist film that manages to breathe new life into the well-worn tale of a hit man (Michael Keaton) getting to know a witness (Kelly Macdonald). Keaton also directed Ron Lazzeretti's impeccable script, and does a nice job of drawing out the character quirks within the quiet scenario. Rated: R is for violence, language Showing: Uptown READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Some stores, malls to get a jump on ‘Black Friday' 2. $6.5 million lottery ticket purchased in Lake Stevens 3. Fire displaces Arlington family 4. Everett man will take his do-it-yourself ethic to the grave 5. Inmates with mental illness bring extra costs to Monroe prison 6. When the customer is wrong and a jerk 7. Mayor-elect won over Granite Falls 8. Economy may silence Everett Symphony's season 9. Soldier who had lived in Marysville killed in Afghanistan 10. Ongoing road work near schools worries parents 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Eat local this Thanksgiving • Mavericks moving on • Canada's Great Big Sea rolls into Edmonds • A. Murphy finishes 2nd in volleyball • Art Walk features music, demonstrations • EAT LOCAL: Getting the goods • Lynnwood HS history teacher Vic Bennet dies • Wildcats head to semis • CSO Chamber annual show slated Nov. 23 • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million