James Absolon explains how this Pope-themed film, despite its risky premise, works
Alex Pollard reviews Hollywood's biopic of the controversial Margaret Thatcher
Ex-British Prime-Minister Adam Lang (read as Tony Blair), played by Pierce Brosnan, needs a replacement for his former ghost writer, who died in a “tragic ferry accident/suicide”. Ewan McGregor is sent out to pull the book together; at first rather uninterested, he becomes witness to rather more than he bargained on, including more information than he might have wanted about his predecessors’ death.
So much of this, the latest offering from Polanski, is excellently done. From the absence of life-draining titles to the flawless and imperceptible execution of the nameless “ghost” character played by Ewan McGregor. If, like me, you saw I Love Philip Morris and vowed never to watch McGregor again, then you must re-think your decision for the sake of this film. He is captivating and unlike so many actors in that he is more interested in character portrayal than self-aggrandisement. Although a sometimes slightly shaky script has landed a number of members of the cast some rather unlikely lines, The Ghost (also known as The Ghost Writer) excels as a political thriller.
The film is beautifully shot against a rather grim American landscape whose barren nature emphasises the isolation of the Ghost himself. Add to this the haunting soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat who has worked on films such as Girl With a Pearl Earring and Coco before Chanel and you get an atmosphere very conducive to the kind of paranoia and tension the story thrives on.
Members of the supporting cast were well chosen, with Kim Cattrall managing to completely shed her Sex and the City skin and step into the role of Amelia Bly, Lang’s chief assistant. Lang’s wife is played by Olivia Williams, who manages to pull off a particular brand of unpleasant vulnerable egotism without breaking a sweat.
There are moments of weakness with a few rather “cringe” scenes, and a lacklustre last five minutes, but otherwise this is definitely one worth seeing. Even if you are not interested in the political aspects, The Ghost still has plenty to offer.
You must log in to submit a comment.
