The Ghost Writer (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

I watched a Netflix rental last nite that is definitely among the best films I have seen this year: Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer (2010) a political thriller about a former British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan) (think Tony Blair) and a writer (Ewan McGregor) who has been asked to rewrite and edit the PM's memoirs. It is a taught thriller in the manner of Hitchcock or a Raymond Chandler novel, with a great cast, storyline and music and cinematography that capture the appropriate mood, sound and look of the story. You are drawn into the story and it holds your attention throughout. It is based upon the novel The Ghost by Robert Harris.

 

[Mitch]

I saw that and, although I dislike TB an unbelivable amount the actual film was well done. It is definately one to watch.
Mitch

 

[UKReb]

I watched a Netflix rental last nite that is definitely among the best films I have seen this year: Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer (2010) a political thriller about a former British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan) (think Tony Blair) and a writer (Ewan McGregor) who has been asked to rewrite and edit the PM's memoirs. It is a taught thriller in the manner of Hitchcock or a Raymond Chandler novel, with a great cast, storyline and music and cinematography that capture the appropriate mood, sound and look of the story. You are drawn into the story and it holds your attention throughout. It is based upon the novel The Ghost by Robert Harris.

Randy

Absolutely concur with your post as I too consider it the most compelling political thriller I've watched for some considerable time. But alas these intelligent type movies have no explosive CGI scenes from beginning to end with ridiculous bodycounts all they have going for them are a darn good plot and impeccable acting which sure don't put bums on seats today.

As an aside apparently Hugh Grant turned down the role of the ghost-Phew! if he had signed on no doubt we would have had more of a Four Funerals and No Wedding.

Bob

 

[PolarBear]

Randy

Absolutely concur with your post as I too consider it the most compelling political thriller I've watched for some considerable time. But alas these intelligent type movies have no explosive CGI scenes from beginning to end with ridiculous bodycounts all they have going for them are a darn good plot and impeccable acting which sure don't put bums on seats today.

As an aside apparently Hugh Grant turned down the role of the ghost-Phew! if he had signed on no doubt we would have had more of a Four Funerals and No Wedding.

Bob

Bob

I thought the extras though brief were also well done. The collaboration and respect between Harris and Polanski seemed truly genuine. I loved the idea that the manuscript was considered a character and Polanski's ending with it was inspired. I also found it interesting that Polanski asked Harris to sit down and watch Sunset Blvd before beginning their collaboration. Glad to learn that Grant did not get the part. I am a fan of Ewan MacGregor and thought he did an excellent job.

Randy

 

[Spitfrnd]

I thought is was good but not as good as many reviews. While I am all for intelligent thrillers, I like them to make more sense than this one. To me, the story line had too many unbelievable twists and predictable outcomes and I found the CIA as the evil self perpetuating empire theme a bit too paranoid and internally inconsistent for my taste. They range from able to run other major nations by perfect 30 year foresight to being unable to deliver an assassin who could dispatch an unarmed author on an deserted back road. Are we to believe that they were planning a second ferry murder? And then how long did it take this clever writer to figure out his predecessor was likely murdered since it seemed pretty obvious for the start. I must admit that apart from Chinatown, I am not much of a Polanski fan. I do agree the cast was excellent with the possible exception of Kim Cattrall. I thought Olivia Williams was Oscar level.