THE GHOST WRITER

a film by Roman Polanski released through Summit Distribution in 2010

The Iraq War was divisive when Bush and Blair led their respective nations into battle. Now, twenty years on, it seems nobody supports that boondoggle. Prescient and boldly sardonic, The Ghost Writer reflects this uneasy rapprochement of left and right. Pierce Brosnan, proving he is more than just a debonair fellow, shines as the ex-prime minister struggling to finish his memoirs; irascible and confused, he seeks the courage to stand on his own.  His confrontation with the un-named Ghost (Ewan McGregor) on the corporate jet is the highlight of Brosnan's career.  Boasting multi-layered, double-edged dialogue spiced with just enough action, along with engrossing location photography (best epitomized by the moody beachside retreat), this might be Roman Polanski's best film since Chinatown. And it's got the greatest plot twist since The Sixth Sense.  Strangely poetic, audacious, and sublime, The Ghost Writer is a thinking-man's thriller.

★★★★☆

Best for ages 14+

FEATURING

EWAN MCGREGOR, PIERCE BROSNAN, KIM CATTRALL, AND OLIVIA WILLIAMS

© 2025 Ian C. Bloom