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DVD Description
Following the tragic death of his ghost writer, British ex-prime minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) hires a journalist (Ewan McGregor) to complete his memoirs. No sooner has the new Ghost Writer arrived at the Lang’s isolated island retreat to begin the job, when Lang is accused of being involved in War Crimes during his time in office, and a huge political storm breaks. The scandal brings reporters and protesters swarming to the Martha’s Vineyard mansion where Lang is staying with his wife Ruth (Olivia Williams) and his media-handler turned mistress Amelia (Kim Cattrall) and, trapped within the confines of the estate, The Ghost is quickly drawn into the political and sexual affairs at play in the house. More disturbing still, as The Ghost researches his subject, he begins to uncover clues suggesting his predecessor had stumbled on a dark secret in Adam Lang’s past. Suddenly, it begins to seem likely that his untimely death might not have been an accident after all....
Based on the bestseller by Robert Harris (Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel) The Ghost is an edgy, atmospheric and enthralling thriller from Academy Award-winning director Roman Polanski.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
An unamed ghost-writer (McGregor) is given the task of rewriting the memoirs of a Blair-like ex-PM Adam Lang (Brosnan), after the previous ghost-writer committed suicide. He travels to a gloomy seaside hideaway in America (supposed to be Martha's Vineyard -- the location they filmed Jaws -- though, due to Polanksi's legal problems, it was actually filmed in Germany) to meet the politican (and his wife), and attempt to rewrite the manuscript. As he is there, though, the story breaks that Lang is to be tried for war crimes in Iraq, and as he also finds (in the effects of his predecessor) evidence that there might have been CIA involvement in Lang's ascendency to the top.
I thought this was actually excellent and can't believe the amount of 1 star reviews! (If you don't like slow films, watch something else!) The cinematography and atmosphere (lots of sombre, autumnul greys and browns, rainy beaches) and pacing were particularily impressive and reminded me somewhat of Wallander (the Branagh adaptations), but the film was also full of Polanksi's mischevious genius. I thought McGregor was compelling in the central role (it was through his characters admittance that he knew nothing about politics that helped draw me in more). Brosnan was uterlised to perfection (keeping him cleverly off camera for large portions of the film to retain an impersonal distance and power), as Adam Lang, hiding away in his designer bunker by the ocean, whilst his world fell apart. The rest of the cast were excellent too.
I suppose people will see this in different ways. I'm seeing it as someone who loves Polanski's work, but who hasn't read the book. I'd reccomend this to anyone who likes Polanksi (or also Wallander). It's nothing like Bourne (some people have mentioned it had the potential to be another Bourne) as it isn't supposed to be. It's about character and focuses on the increasing paranoia the Ghost Writer feels as his situation unfolds, on the psychological tension rather than the dramatic tension of being chased in different situations. Polanski doesn't achieve the heights of his own benchmark in paranoid isolation, Repulsion, but this is still a cut above your average thriller. It's a beautiful and haunting film with a strong plot and top notch acting and direction. How anyone could rate it less than three stars is simply astonishing.
I thought this was actually excellent and can't believe the amount of 1 star reviews! (If you don't like slow films, watch something else!) The cinematography and atmosphere (lots of sombre, autumnul greys and browns, rainy beaches) and pacing were particularily impressive and reminded me somewhat of Wallander (the Branagh adaptations), but the film was also full of Polanksi's mischevious genius. I thought McGregor was compelling in the central role (it was through his characters admittance that he knew nothing about politics that helped draw me in more). Brosnan was uterlised to perfection (keeping him cleverly off camera for large portions of the film to retain an impersonal distance and power), as Adam Lang, hiding away in his designer bunker by the ocean, whilst his world fell apart. The rest of the cast were excellent too.
I suppose people will see this in different ways. I'm seeing it as someone who loves Polanski's work, but who hasn't read the book. I'd reccomend this to anyone who likes Polanksi (or also Wallander). It's nothing like Bourne (some people have mentioned it had the potential to be another Bourne) as it isn't supposed to be. It's about character and focuses on the increasing paranoia the Ghost Writer feels as his situation unfolds, on the psychological tension rather than the dramatic tension of being chased in different situations. Polanski doesn't achieve the heights of his own benchmark in paranoid isolation, Repulsion, but this is still a cut above your average thriller. It's a beautiful and haunting film with a strong plot and top notch acting and direction. How anyone could rate it less than three stars is simply astonishing.
39 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Some of the other reviewers condemn this film as dull, but what it forgoes in high-octane drama it more than makes up for in slow-burning suspense. Excellent performances from all concerned, and a deeply controlled directorial style that is redolent of a time when film-makers were expert craftsmen. The rainswept landscape and chilly-looking interiors are metaphors for the bleakness of this story and its characters' nervy states of mind. I thought it was all very cleverly done, and proof that Polanski is still in possession of his powers.
58 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
THE GHOST (WRITER) is a truly enjoyable thriller which has this reality feel to it, no superheroes, no spectacular action scenes, no gratuitous gore or murder, but an entertaining tale of political intrigue and corruption, somewhat Hitchcockian, not too complex, which allows you to enjoy every aspect of it. The characters are believable and vulnerable individuals all with their virtues and flaws, which makes you care. They really are the victims of the situations they've gotten themselves into. One thing, however, that made me love this film was its atmosphere. Simply amazing. Here we see the real genius Polanski at work (as with THE PIANIST). How he's able to create a universe of anxiety, suspicion, and mystery by using all visual and audio means at his disposal. There is Lang's house, of course, a magnificent setting, luxurious, but cold and sterile, blockhouse-like, concealing terrible secrets. There is the island, the weather, desolate, gray, where the constant wind and rain enhance the feeling of despair and imminent doom. Oh, yes, and the music. Just listen to track 16 `The Truth about Ruth' on the soundtrack and you get into the mood. The perfect musical accompaniment by Alexandre Desplat. The end of the film is a masterstroke, surprising and unexpected, yet leaving all possibilities open. THE GHOST WRITER is a story about real people committing REAL crimes. Roman Polanski, a well-deserved Silver Bear! Film lovers, don't miss it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
the Ghost
The Ghost is a great story which starts slowly but increases in tempo and interest as it progresses. The end is particularly unexpected-a great twist.Well worth a view.
Published 1 month ago by big mike
GRIPPING FILM
I first saw this film recently on TV and was absolutely gripped, so felt I had to buy it and watch it again. Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Peet
Just Google it!
C'mon Roman, do you really believe that the Ewan McGregor character is going to discover Emmet's "guilty" secret just by looking the professor's name in Internet? Read more
Published 2 months ago by Charles Paxton Martin
No Subtitles.
I saw this movie a while ago on TV with Greek sub-titles as I live in Cyprus. I was not sure if I understood the whole plot so decided to get the DVD from Amazon so I can have the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by SMB
Atmospheric...
I saw this recently on telly and just had to see it again. Roman Polanski seems to have the knack of creating real atmosphere. Read more
Published 2 months ago by CAT
The Ghost
Saw this on Channel 5 a few weeks ago. I really gripping political thriller, with a great ending. Bought it to send to my son in New Zealand as the T.V. is rubbish there.
Published 2 months ago by Big B
Very poor
Considering the quality of the acting talent in this film I thought the acting was wooden and they looked amateurish. The screenplay and directing were both very poor. Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. M. Nagle
And the prize for the worst accent goes to....!
I usually like Ewan McGregor but I'm afraid his performance ruined this film for me. The plot itself is good, as is the setting - though some dodgy CGI is distracting. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kelly A19
Excellent Film
An excellent film with excellent production.
I would not pay extra for blur-ray again however normal DVD is just as good
I would not pay extra for blur-ray again however normal DVD is just as good
Published 3 months ago by V. Dio
Boring thriller weakened by big-name casting
I'd always thought Polanski never put a foot wrong, as a director at any rate. So what happened here? Dull, tedious, incoherent, it's not even as good as The Ninth Gate. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Philoctetes
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