The Benefactor (2015)

The Benefactor is let down by not being sure what type of film it wants to be. Is it a tour de force by Richard Gere, a multi millionaire whose life is falling apart as he is wrapped by guilt as his actions caused the death of his friends in an automobile accident and then consumed by painkiller addiction or a man who seeks to meddle with the offspring of the people who died in the accident. A kind of a sinister Kriss Kringle who has designs on either the now grown up daughter or her surgeon husband.Gere as Franny Watts is convincing as the well to do but disabled rich guy lost in addiction but surely a millionaire who is in need of morphine would be able to get hold of it if he really needed it?Despite an earnest performance by Gere the film just does not know where to go.

A wealthy man who kind of caused the death of his dear friends tries to make up for it by being generous to their orphaned daughter and her husband.The young couple come across as ungrateful brats - what's wrong with a wealthy close family friend wanting to help you out? Dakota Fanning looks prettier and less odd than before. Theo James doesn't look like a doctor at all.Richard Gere tries to stretch his range as a dramatic actor but he is unconvincing. Even in the meltdown melodramatic parts he isn't believable. He just should dye his hair and do romantic comedies and dramadies for older people.Not a must see but if you have some time to spare or were stuck on a plane like me it's just an okay watch.

This film tells the story of an older man who tries to resolve his guilt from years ago, by being a generous benefactor of a hospital and if a newly wed couple."The Benefactor" is a touching story that shows a man trouble by his past unintentional deed. He tries to make things up, but unfortunately his good intentions do not always go the intended way. Richard Gere is convincing as a troubled soul who has unlimited resources but still cannot wash away the inner demons. No matter what he does, he is still shown be tormented. It's a heavy story, be prepared for it before you watch it.

This is a drama about a rich eccentric man in his 60s who suffered a traumatic event and became addicted to substances. Feeling guilt he tries to make amends but in his terms baring gifts which are not acceptable by the persons receiving them.Richard Gere gives a solid performance but nevertheless this is a "little" movie with not much to offer.Everything moves slow and the whole premise is quite simple, so no one can really recommend this movie as a quality spectacle. The low budget is evident through out the movie and some obvious plot holes are quickly swept under the rug.Overall: Nowadays TV series got more complicated and interesting while low budget movies carry simple plots without such interest to justify 95 minutes of your time. If you are a fan of R.G. go and see the latest movie of your favorite actor. Otherwise...