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Samuel Goldwyn Films Acquires Michael Keaton's Merry Gentleman

The Merry Gentleman, the directorial debut of actor and former Batman Michael Keaton, has been picked up for distribution by Samuel Goldwyn Films. The film debuted at this year's Sundance festival and received positive reviews. Keaton also stars in the drama as a sick and depressed Chicago man who starts a friendship with an abused woman who is on the run from her husband, who happens to be a cop. Kelly MacDonald will portray the battered woman. The film went through a bit of post-production drama, with several people involved, including Keaton, squabbling over the editing process and subsequent cuts of the film. The threat of lawsuits loomed, but none were ever filed. Goldwyn will release the film in March.

The studio has also picked up American Violet, starring Alfre Woodard and Nicole Behaire. The film was inspired by a true story and is about the struggles of an innocent, single black mother mistakenly involved in a drug raid in Texas. She eventually has to battle the justice system. Goldywn will release the film in March, as well.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
11.17.08