The Ghost Writer (2010)

Introduction:

Well how could I not check this one out. Not only does it have Pierce Brosnan and Ewan McGregor in it, but it’s about a writer. Throw in a few samples of the intriguing score by Alexandre Desplat and I was hooked.

Summary:

Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) is a former British Prime Minister in a bit of a bind. He’s currently being accused of war crimes. As the pressure around him heats up, a close friend and colleague is found drowned off the coast of New England. Turns out the drowned man was working on Lang’s memoirs, and the publisher involved is eager to get them completed. They hire a ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) to finish working on them. Unfortunately, the memoirs are a mess and Lang is less then helpful. As the writer begins to dig a bit deeper he becomes entangled in a mystery that includes Ruth Lang (Olivia Williams) and Amelia Bly (Kim Cattrall) – Adam’s assistant. What secret will the Ghost Writer discover and will it cost him his life.

Good Points:

• The acting is very good all the way around
• Roman Polanski keeps the tension and mystery flowing
• Desplat’s score balances the thrills with a sense of dark humor

Bad Points:

• The resolution is going to rub some folks the wrong way
• The movie takes its time weaving its story
• Roman Polanski directed it

Overall:

Polanski crafts an entertaining thriller. He builds tension and gets performances from his cast that fit the story perfectly. I was especially impressed by Olivia Williams as Ruth. At times the plot stretches itself a bit much, but there is a sense of dark humor to the whole film that keeps it fun. Still Roman Polanski directed it and that’s going to turn away a lot of viewers. If you’re looking for a solid but slightly wordy thriller, check this one out.

Scores (out of 5)

Visuals: 4

Sound: 3

Acting: 4

Script: 4

Music: 3

Direction: 4

Entertainment: 3

Total: 4

Curious about a full review, sent me an email and I’ll make additional thoughts to this review.