Ewan McGregor stars as The Ghost. A ghostwriter of some worth who is approached to help add a little bang to the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang, played by Pierce Brosnan. We never learn The Ghost's real name. It's not really necessary. The ghostwriter's job is to do the hard work and take none of the credit. The only name that matters is the book's star. The Ghost reluctantly takes the gig, discovering that his predesessor on the job died under mysterious circumstances. Reading through the memoir, it's clear that it needs a ton of work. It's almost too boring to be about a man so controversial. It's like the story is being intentionally dumbed down or something.
The Ghost quickly insinuates himself into Lang's daily life. Lang surrounds himself with a virtual army of security out on his shore side villa. His wife, Ruth(Olivia Williams) is his most trusted counsel, although the fire of hatred burns in her eyes, mainly due to Lang's relationship with his icy assistant, Amelia(Kim Cattrall). She's far too perceptive to miss the affair going on right beneath her nose.
Lang has gotten himself into a bit of a political pickle. He's been accused of pulling a Dick Cheney, giving his thumbs up to the kidnapping and torture of terror suspects. He appears unapologetic, fearing more for the sanctity of his reputation than anything else. The sudden turmoil opens a floodgate that The Ghost seems unwilling to side step. Delving deeper into Lang's past, he discovers potentially earth shattering secrets that threaten to cut his writing career permanently.
It seems like everybody's channeling Hitchcock lately, but few are as good at it as Polanski is here. Every scene has a heavy sense of forboding, as if there's a lethal twist around every single corner. There isn't a sunny day in sight, either. It always appears to be cloudy with a chance of torrential storms. Every character appears to know more than they're letting on. Every conversation is maddeningly tight lipped and short. But this is the film's strength. The best part of any mystery, especially one such as this, is what's left unsaid. Or better yet, what's left unseen by the camera, allowing the viewer to draw his or her own inferences.
Based on the novel by Robert Harris, the story makes obvious parallels between former British PM Tony Blair and the cronies who headed up the Bush administration. Brosnan, to his credit, doesn't attempt to portray Blair in any way, crafting a hot headed egotist all his own. It was surprising, and a little shocking, to see Kim Cattrall tarting it up a little bit in her tight, bookish outfit. Took me a few minutes to even realize it was her, minus all the glitz and glam we're so used to seeing from her in Sex and the City. Olivia Williams, also, carries the role of the scorned but accepting wife well. If her looks could kill, this would've been a 20 minute movie.
It's Ewan McGregor who really shines, though. He's always been an actor who's talent has been unquestioned, but his charisma and screen presence has held him back. For a role such as this, it's perfect. He should be a background force only. It's when The Ghost is thrust into the forefront that the story suffers a little bit. Not because of anything McGregor does wrong, but because it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for his character to be quite so...inquisitive. That doesn't detract from the mystery at all nor hamper the story in any way.
Those looking for a sleek, political thriller will find plenty to indulge in with The Ghost Writer. While it can be a bit slow at times, the tension mounts quickly later on, and the conclusion, while not totally shocking, will surprise you at just how far it goes.
The Ghost Writer expands to more theatres on March 5th.
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