The Ghost Writer (2010)

Director: Roman Polanski
Writer: Robert Harris
Rated: PG-13
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Kim Cattrall, Pierce Brosnan, and Olivia Williams

Roman Polanski returns to the big screen at full force and shows us just how a mystery film is made with The Ghost Writer. Robert Harris adapted and co-wrote the screenplay with Polanski for this sleek thriller based on his own book, The Ghost. The story follows a professional ghost writer, played by Ewan McGregor, hired to complete the autobiography of former British prime minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). Turns out, the previous ghost’s work was brought to an abrupt after his body is found washed ashore.

Reluctantly, the new ghost arrives to Lang’s US estate in Martha’s Vineyard and begins to work on his predecessor’s manuscript. He’s greeted by Lang’s assistant Amelia Bly (Kim Cattrall) who introduces him to the tight security protocol of the former prime minister. McGregor’s character is a cool, smart, yet curious individual. It’s almost a wonder how a man such as himself wound up in the life he has. As the movie progresses, he finds himself in more than he’s bargained for.

The film is a classic crime drama, and done in a way only that a filmmaker who’s mastered their craft could do. Roman Polanski doesn’t try to impress us with gimmicks or tricks. The film is dependent on it’s story, characters, and most notably the performance of the cast. McGregor is outstanding as the ghost. His character is one that we all can relate to and begin to really care for throughout the story. Brosnan is spot on as the veteran politician under the heat of the world. Olivia Williams surprises as Lang’s wife, who’s character had many different sides.

This is simply a film that will keep one watching the whole way through. The story is filled with mystery and socially and politically relevant material. It’s a smart thriller that doesn’t fly over our heads. Polanski presents an engaging story filled with likable and multidimensional characters. To top it all off, the mood and atmosphere of the film is consistent with the rest of the film. The dark and sometimes rainy locale fits the mood perfectly and reflects the coinciding events. Everything with this film was well thought out and presented with care and detail.

The Ghost Writer is easily the best film I’ve seen so far in 2010. It’s films like this one that show what filmmaking is all about. It’s about telling a story, engaging the audience, and entertaining while not sacrificing credibility. The Ghost Writer does all of that while being a testament to someone who knows how to make a movie.

Perfect rating.