“The Ghost Writer,” adapted by Roman Polanski and Robert Harris from Harris’ novel, has a densely packed plot that could have been borrowed from recent political headlines about the Blair-Bush administrations. Pierce Brosnan plays former British Prime Minister Adam Lang who needs Ewan McGregor’s nameless biographer to ghostwrite his memoirs. Ghost, as Lang calls him, knows going into this job that all is not right because his predecessor has mysteriously drowned. The ominous gray skies and incessant rain surrounding the Martha’s Vineyard compound where Lang is staying should be another clue. Nonetheless, Ghost finds himself in the middle of a crisis as Lang is about to be charged by the World Court for his stance on torture of terrorist suspects and Lang’s wife, Ruth (Olivia Williams), is angry over his blatant affair with his assistant, Amelia (Kim Cattrall). And as Ghost pursues scraps of information, he puts his life in jeopardy
Polanski has crafted a thriller that does not claim to be based on fact, but it’s compelling nonetheless. Our hero is your average man who, once his curiosity is aroused, finds he must follow the evidence wherever it leads and Ewan McGregor is effective as the vulnerable ghostwriter. Brosnan has the good looks and charm that make his politician credible and Olivia Williams plays her role like Lady Macbeth, the cold calculating power behind the throne. There are other effective cameos from Jim Belushi, Timothy Hutton, Eli Wallach and Tom Wilkinson. “The Ghost Writer” is a taut political thriller that deserves to be seen. 2/19/10
1 comment:
This is the kind of film that I like. The twists and turns trying to figure out who are the good guys and the bad ones. Pierce Brosnan has become one of our better character actors who has transitioned from the leading man to the supporting actor with grace and style. There are many good supporting roles here and Tom Wilkinson is his usual hard-nosed man in the background. Overall a very good thriller.
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