The Ghost [DVD]

I had seen the film before on tv and at the time wasn't particularly impressed. I didn't think I'd revisit it, but with new releases few and far between these days I decided to give it another go. And I'm glad I did. This time around I watched with close attention to detail and surprised myself by liking it very much. It's a very solid mystery thriller with an intelligent plot, an exciting cast and beautiful cinematography, masterfully brought together by Polanski's direction. Mind you, you really need to pay attention to fully appreciate all that's going on. This is mostly slow drama with only a few moments of fast paced action. However, the build up of tension is expertly done and whenever a short burst of action occurs it does make a real impact.The story of the ghost writer for a former British PM gives an interesting insight in the life of the high and mighty and the political spin that goes on behind the facade. A short scene where the newly arrived "ghost" is matter-of-factly tasked with formulating a momentous statement for immediate public release is very telling. In a time when we all love to hate high profile politicians and are quite aware of the lies their lives are, this story works a treat.The casting is inspired. Pierce Brosnan has the just the right kind of good looks and slightly smarmy charisma to make us both fall under the spell of the slippery politician he portrays and despise him, at the same time and to the same extent. Also, it's always a joy to see him, even he doesn't actually have an awful lot of screen time here. Ewan McGregor is the real lead, and he is absolutely perfect for the inconspicuous ghost writer, totally unimpressed with the trapppings of power, for whom the memoir of this particular politician is just another job. He is very good playing characters like this and he is both likable and relatable as the hapless ghost who becomes far more involved in this dark tale of corruption than he bargained for. Of the ladies, I absolutely loved Olivia Williams as the Ex-PM's acerbic wife. Kim Cattrall is as the PA cum mistress is fine but not particularly memorable. Also fun to see the late and great Eli Wallach in a small cameo, one of his last appearances on the silver screen.Good film and definitely worth checking out if you haven't seen it. Also if you are a fan of any of the leading actors.The DVD I purchased ("The Ghost", Optimum Home Entertainment UK/Ireland release with white background on cover) is very nice. Picture and sound are good. It has English subtitles for those who may want or need them. Also included are the following extra features:~~~ The Cast of the Ghost Featurette~~~ The Ghost: Fiction or Reality Featurette~~~ World Premiere in Berlin~~~ Interviews with Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Williams, Robert Harris and Roman Polanski

I am not usually a fan of political thrillers but The Ghost is an exception. It has a terrific cast and an engaging, intriguing plot. In addition, the locations (London, England and Martha's Vineyard, USA), the winter weather and the background score all combine to create a growing sense of menace and unease for the viewer.The film is based on Robert Harris' best selling novel about a ghostwriter who, following an apparent suicide of the original ghostwriter, is drafted in to finish the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. Ewan McGregor plays the part of the ghostwriter who becomes increasingly suspicious about the project he has taken on. Pierce Brosnan is very convincing as the ex British Prime Minister Adam Lang. Other notable performances are provided by Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall, Robert Pugh, Tom Wilkinson and Eli Wallach.The political landscape has changed considerably over the eight years since this film was released but I do not think this weakens the impact of the film in any way. As thrillers go, it has plenty of suspense and a growing sense of danger as the plot unfolds.So, if you enjoy atmospheric political thrillers, then I think you may well enjoy 'The Ghost'; I certainly did.

A boring political nonsense movie with a imaginative surprise ending. It follows the activities of a 'Ghost Writer' - a writer assigned to write a book about the life of a political figure. Yes! I did watch it to the end - well ... you've got to haven't you, otherwise you can't really comment or review it.The acting is terrible throughout the movie & maybe Polanski's view of British movie making - a calm & sombre affair, - when compared to the bright lights of 'tinsel town'.However, It did remind me of Tony Blair's politics, but whether it's based on Tony Blair's politics or not, who knows, I certainly didn't get the complex plot - but then, I don't care for political movies either.For me the only part of this movie which has Roman Polanski's 'signature' on it, is the ending. The ending is a bit 'Rosemary's Baby', you don't see the horror you have to imagine the horror & it's implications.Thank You!

I tend to avoid political thrillers, as I often find myself losing the plot as it thickens. However I stayed the course with this Polanski directed gem - chosen because of its appealing cast including Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor and Olivia Williams. Ewan McGregor is cast as a journalist hired to finish off the memoirs of ex-Prime Minister Adam Lang, played by Brosnan. The original writer died mysteriously, disappearing off a ferry and washed up on an isolated beach of Martha's Vineyard. Staying at the Prime Minister's house on the island, McGregor picks up clues that all is not as it seems, and there are disturbing secrets in the Prime Minister's past. Adding to his disquiet, a scandal blows up in the media, as Lang is accused of having conspired to release captured terrorists to the US for torture. Added to the mix, is an angry wife played brilliantly by Olivia Williams, a rather suspiciously attentive and attractive PA played by Kim Cattrall and Tom Wilkinson as a Harvard professor with mysterious links to Lang's Cambridge years. A tantalizing cocktail of mystery and intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very last frame. Worth mentioning that the film is beautiful, if bleak. A palette of somber grey colours captures the wind-swept landscapes of Martha's Vineyard, the pelting rain and the austere but elegant island villa.