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Trailer after the break
Reviewed By: Ed Gesio

Possible analogies between The Ghost Writer and the much-maligned criminal troubles of director Roman Polanski are undoubtedly coincidental; analogies to Nic Cage’s sublime role in Ghost Rider however, are certainly intentional. The film’s plot is original enough, a ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) is hired to finish the memoirs of ex-UK Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan) as allegations emerge that the former head of state had approved the deportation – and ultimate torture and murder - of four British citizens wanted for terrorist activities. As McGregor's character is doing research for the book, he begins to unveil a series of inconsistencies and cover-ups that ultimately lead to a good plot with first-class suspense and plenty surprise twists culminating in one hell of a climax. 

The acting was stellar, with McGregor recovering admirably from the disaster that was The Men Who Stare at Goats. Pierce Brosnan is fantastic, notably changing his accent relative to his characters' emotions.  Had this movie been released in November, he’d certainly get a nod for Best Supporting Actor (despite the fact that the image of Brosnan getting hit in the head by a peach in Mrs. Doubtfire is permanently etched in my brain – "Drive by fruiting!"). Also of note is Kim Catrall’s (of Sex and the City fame) role as Brosnan’s chief aid and mistress.  Her delivery is atrocious and her British accent (despite being born there) is almost as bad as McGregor’s American accent. Nevertheless, she somehow really captures the role.  Not only does she look the part, but her demeanor is perfect, adding depth to an admittedly limited character.  In all, it was an excellent and surprising effort. Finally, at first glance, Olivia Williams' performance  (playing the Prime Minister’s wife) is arbitrary, superficial, and suffers from an over resemblance to Selma Blair. Though, in retrospect, as her character’s motivations become clear, her performance is probably the best and most memorable aspect of the movie (though her sex scene is superfluous in the extreme as these scenes often are.)

The score and generic backdrop of a sleepy fishing town continuously beat the film's tone into the viewer, lacking any of the subtlety found in the plot and the acting.  All-in-all, the film is an excellent thriller with an abundance of modern relevance.  The Ghost Writer is a welcome respite from the awful run Hollywood has been on. (Dear John notwithstanding)

8/10*
* Bonus points given for getting to see Ewan McGregor naked, as well as a cameo by Eli Wallach 
 


Comments

Carter link
04/24/2010 12:35am

Polanski is a pedophile and rapist who needs to serve his time before making any more films.

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Emanuel link
04/24/2010 12:17pm

Harsh? Maybe not, but we'll focus on judging movies as opposed to the people making them. There's not enough time in the day to discuss all that's wrong with Hollywood.

p.s. I checked out your blog, really nice!

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