Rating: M
Running Time: 128 minutes
Release Date:
12 August 2010
The Ghost Writer, directed and co-produced by the controversial Roman Polanski, was adapted from Robert Harris’ novel The Ghost. Polanski also c0-wrote the screenplay in collaboration with the author. This political thriller stars Ewan McGregor as ghost writer for ex UK Prime Minister Adam Lang’s (Pierce Brosnan) memoirs. McGregor’s predecessor, long time loyal aide to Lang, accidently dies, necessitating his expediant appointment on the recommendation of Lang’s wife Ruth (Olivia Williams). A nameless McGregor then sets off to an island off the east coast of USA where the Langs’ are staying in their fortified holiday home. On his arrival he is greeted by Adam Lang’s personal assistant and gatekeeper, Amelia (Kim Cattrell) and there the intrigue begins. Then all hell breaks loose as Lang is accused of war crimes and faces prosecution in the International Criminal Court. As the US doesn’t recognise this legal jurisdiction Adam Lang cannot be extradited as long as he remains in exile. A now rattled McGregor decides to investigate Adam Lang’s past in search of a better story.
McGregor (Moulin Rouge) is the pivotal character and does an excellent job in holding the film and your interest as this film slowly builds. Olivia Williams (An Education) character as Lang’s long suffering and bitter wife conveys a sense of mystique yet some vunerability which superbly draws you into her lair. The supporting cast of Brosnan and Cattrell (Sex in the City) do well in their supporting roles despite the lack of substance to their characters. Cattrell suprisingly does a great job in conveying her characters icey demanour but the part is little more window dressing. Polanski (The Pianist) does a fabulous job in creating the right amount of suspense and atmosphere in this thriller. It was quite reminiscent of Insomnia being set in a remote community, against a harsh climate, with a foreign interloper all of which helps to build that physical uncomfortableness, isolation, separation and a sense of paranoia. However unlike Insomnia every scene appears to have been treated with utmost attention to detail in that it needs to be digested slowly and savoured. Particularly the scenes shot within the holiday house looking out on the world through the window pane conveying the futility against externalities beyond ones control. Interesting that McGregor’s character truly is a metaphoric apparition in this film, with no name, no history and at the end of the day leaves no physical trace, very clever screenplay.
Unfortunately the ending is a bit obvious and McGregor’s light bulb moment a bit contrived but other than these problems the film is thoroughly engaging to keep you hooked every moment the way through. Great cameos by Eli Wallach (The Good, The Bad and the Ugly) and Timothy Hutton.
Though the film is based in USA, due to Polanski’s outstanding warrant the scenes were shot in Germany except for a few in Massachusetts without Polanski of course. Considering Polanski’s exiled status it’s not hard to draw comparisons with his own life and how much his own feelings may have influenced the script and direction. There is also just the hint of an anti American sentiment throughout the film. Those conspiracy theorists out there may even claim that his arrest in Switzerland may have more to do with killing this film as it appears to be loosely based on former British PM Tony Blair and his “special relationship” with US Presidents Clinton and Bush and references to the Iraq war on terror and inhumane treatment of suspected insurgents. Blair was actually coached by the former Clinton administration to assist his winning election campaign. The actual dissection of the motivations and political intrigue behind the film only adds to watchability and makes fascinating viewing. The involvement of US in controlling or buying the support of foreign countries such as in Polanski’s extradiction is focal theme. Interestingly the post production for this film was completed by Polanski during his hosue arrest in Switzerland. Decide for yourself how much of this would have made an impact on the films editing.
3.5/5 stars
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