A throwback to the days when slow to boil suspense and subtle intrigue were reason enough to screen a film. The film doesn’t require peeking through the fingers, seat belts or sending the kids next door to play. The ‘action’ takes place in your mind. So often these days, we, the viewers are spoon fed everything and the direction one looks to is spelled out thoroughly, lest one be burdened with the aspect of thinking. I’d have to say the last good film of this vibe was ‘Match Point’ (Woody Allen). What it has in common with ‘The Ghost Writer’ besides the fact that both were directed by infamous men (here Roman Polanski) of questionable character, is that they are well done.
The Ghost Writer concerns a writer (Ewan McGregor) hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan) when the original ‘Ghost’ suddenly dies. While researching the PM, he uncovers, stumbles upon and is led to mysterious information regarding his subject. As befits most fine mystery films, that information comes from an array of interesting characters along the way. No disappointments here, as Tom Wilkinson, Robert Pugh, and the great Eli Wallach take turns throwing curve balls.
Kim Cattrall, as the PM’s Chief of Staff communicates more with posture and a sly wink than most blabbermouths making the rounds in Hollywood these days. Olivia Williams is outstanding as his smart but strictly photo op wife. Timothy Hutton, James Belushi and Jon Bernthal spice things up along the way to make this film recommended for one of those rainy days you haven’t a ghost of a chance to accomplish anything for the afternoon.
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