The Ghost Writer (2010)

Director: Roman Polanski

Writers: Robert Harris, Roman Polanski

Based on the novel by Robert Harris.



I have to say this right up front, I'm not a Polanski fan. Apart from a few gems, I don't get his style. It doesn't hurt that he's a jerk that sexual abuses underage women then runs to Europe to avoid what most said would be a slap on the wrist at best. And then, making a documentary about himself defending his actions, his entire case basically amounts to "I'm Roman Polanski". So, it's safe to say that I'm not a "Free Polanski" type to say the least. That being said, I do not advocate in anyway the boycott or banning of any of his films. Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to the nitty gritty.

The Ghost Writer is about a writer, who becomes the ghost writer (the character is never actually named) for the memoirs of Adam Lang ex-prime minister of England and war criminal. As the ghost does more and more research into Mr. Lang, he unveils a secret CIA plot involving Mr. Lang and the United States government. It's a political thriller, although told through the eyes of a almost annoyingly apolitical character. The film mainly takes place in Massachusetts, though in reality was filmed on a German island because Polanski can't go the states. Although some plot elements are fairly obvious, some are genuinely surprising moments, keeping it from becoming a dull experience. That being said, it plot is a bit of a fuck you to Tony Blair. It all amounts to a liberal conspiracy theory: A prime minister put in power by the CIA to serve the united states. First of all, it's debatable whether or not England has that high of a strategic value for the United States to warrant such action, secondly it's all a bit kitsch. Some bits of the plot just feel like a desperate attempt to reach the same grandeur of say JFK, but not quite getting there. The plot isn't bad, it isn't captivating either, but good compared to your averge film these days.

Taking place on an island that seems to be perpetually gray and dull, the film does have it's visual moments. The framing is warmly balanced, and the camera behaves shyly. With a clever script that actually produces some quality lines, the dialogue never feels hammy or do James Bond like. Although the actual plot is a bit over the top, the dialogue itself never reaches this state, with characters behaving realistically. One scene in particular displays how Polanski doesn't reduce Ghost Writer to a Bourne or Bond film. The car chase scene is one of the most unique car chases I've ever seen specifically because it seems plausible, meaning that it doesn't resort to cars flipping over giant cliff to explode for some reason.

The music deserves special mention here though, as it fits the creeping, mysterious ambiance of the film perfectly. Never to dramatic or subtle, the music rides the fence between campy and useless. The Ghost writer himself is legitimately a likable character, and we honestly feel sorry for him as he gets sucked more and more into the conspiracy. The ghost says at the very beginning that he is not interested in politics, and the only reason he seems to have for his investigations is to discover the true cause of his predecessor's death, which makes him a more likable rather than a spiteful character. It's worth noting that Polanski edited this film while in prison, without a delay in the post-production. Say what you will of this man, but that is dedication. Adam Lang's character is also done well. The man is supposed to be a political puppet, sort of an upper class version of George W. Bush. You know, a guy you could really just drink a Chery with. A jock who has massive appeal with the public, but seems to be a total air head when it comes to politics, the audience shares the Ghost's confusion on how this man had become so popular.

Although it isn't nearly as good as Polanski's other stuff, notably the Pianist, The Ghost Writer isn't to be written off. Despite a slightly ridiculous plot, it actually is quite entertaining. If you're in the mood for a good old fashion political thriller, give the Ghost Writer a shot.