The Ghost Writer - 2010

Roman Polanski's new film, The Ghost Writer, based on the book by Robert Harris, is a strong, entertaining and enjoyable thriller. With a less than subtle subtext about Tony Blair, his war with Iraq, being America's whipping boy and the Western worlds policy on torture, and our Government's complicity in such acts.

The basic story revolves around Ewan McGregor, newly appointed ghost writer for Pierce Brosnan's former British Prime Minister Adam Lang's Memoirs. He is hired after the original ghost writer, a loyal long time aide who has apparently died either by suicide or accident. The mystery surrounding his death throws a shroud of intrigue and mystery not only over the ghost writers job but also over Adam Lang, who quickly becomes under investigation for war crimes by the Hague. As the ghost writer tries to shape the secretive memoirs into something more engaging and interesting, he begins to uncover a mystery, the truth of which may be hidden in the draft of the memoirs.

What makes this film so entertaining is that it sees a return to form for Ewan McGregor, in one of his most engaging and likeable roles in years. Brosnan also gives a wonderful supporting role as the beleagured former Prime Minister, and rather than try and resemble Blair, he offers his own take on a role, so close to Blair. His Adam Lang is both strong, powerful and direct, as well as being vulnerable, weak and angry. The two central roles are supported by Olivia Williams in a stunning turn as the Prime Minister's wife, a woman who represents both the power behind the thrown, and a scorned lover, who loathes the life she now leads. Kim Cattrall looks stunningly beautiful, playing her age, unlike her role in Sex and the City, as Lang's most loyal of PAs and the cast is reinforced by Tom Wilkinson in a cameo.

Overall The Ghost Writer can be considered a return to form and in my opinion is probably his best work since the late 70s. Despite this, the film never reaches the heights of his masterpiece Chinatown or some of his earlier work such as Cul-De-Sac or Rosemary's Baby. The script written by Polanski and Harris is strong for the most part, even though it wavers a little in the middle of the 2nd act, and struggles on occasion to justify the arc of the Ghost. However, come the climax the film had me gripped, as I wondered how this compelling, excellent drama might resolve itself. Which is a testament to the writing and directing, as I never saw the ending coming.