The Ghost Writer

Starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, and Kim Cattrall, The Ghost Writer (2010) is the other half of my 2 for $6.98 deal from Blockbuster. I was kind of surprised I hadn't heard of this movie before, it has an A list cast and is directed by Roman Polanski. You may have notice I like to explore my inital thoughts about a movie based on who's in it and go from there, this review will be the same... (I just wanted to let you know that I know I do that, and it doesn't really have any fact, but just my personal feelings).

I fell in love with Ewan MacGregor the first time I saw Moulin Rouge and he belted out "Your Song" to Nicole Kidman, I am not ashamed to say that scene made me bawl like a baby. His eyes are an incredible shade of blue, and his voice is just delicious. Point to Ghost Writer. I have a conflicted opinion of Roman Polanski, on one hand, I know he is a fabulous director. The Pianist was a masterpiece. I love his name, and have been convinced for a couple years now that my first son will be named Roman Michael Carlo (dibs!). So he even gets points just based on his name. But there is that whole raping a thirteen year old in the 70's that I just can't excuse. So, we will say Polanski's involvement in The Ghost Writer is a neutral first impression point for the movie. So, moving on to the actual film....

Adam Lang (Brosnan) is a Tony Blair-esque sort of character, he's the ex-prime minister of the UK, and is writing his memoirs. His original ghost writer is found dead, and McGregor is hired as his replacement. Things get a little more twisted when Lang is accused of war crimes and McGregor finds a link between Lang and the CIA. My first critical thought was "the music is really weird, and doesn't really fit."But the more it played and when it was repeated during the special features, it really grew on me. It creates an atmosphere that is eerie, but fantastical; that is urgent and thrilling. And that was another thing, this movie is a thriller without a big chase scene or explosions or crazy violence, or even things jumping out at you. It is smart, and calculated, and everything seems intentional and well thought out. The location, the weather, the buildings, are all designed to set the tone and make things more interesting in the absence of overused CGI, scary music, and violence.

Brosnan and MacGregor are just great. Brosnan is smooth and charming and always keeps you guessing. I was never quite sure if Lang was a bad guy or not, if he was to be feared or loved, and that is exactly how he needed to be. There is something so innocent and sincere about McGregor, you just can't help liking him. And it is undeniable that Polanski was the architect of this movie, he creates something subtle and beautiful and eerie.

On the negative, Kim Cattrall had a really hard time with an English accent, and the movie can be heavy, so don't watch it when you are in the mood for something light and fun. The revelation at the ending could have been followed through a little more, and McGregor's fate was a neat idea, but seemed a little contrived. But, I'm really just splitting hairs because I really did enjoy this movie.