The Ghost Writer

2010 Mystery & Suspense

A ghostwriter stumbles onto a secret that places his life in danger as he takes down the life story of a former U.K. prime minister in this Roman Polanski-helmed adaptation of the Robert Harris novel. Convinced by his agent that he's been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, talented British screenwriter "The Ghost" (Ewan McGregor) agrees to aid British prime minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) in completing his memoirs after the leader's former aide dies under mysterious circumstances. Almost immediately after The Ghost arrives at a remote mansion in the U.S. to begin working with the prime minister, Lang is accused of committing a war crime by a former British cabinet minister. Amidst a deluge of protestors and reporters, The Ghost delves into the unfinished manuscript and comes to the terrifying conclusion that his predecessor died because he discovered a link between Prime Minister Lang and the CIA. The more information The Ghost uncovers, the more convinced he becomes that his life could be in danger as well. more..

Director: Roman Polanski

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattrall, Olivia Williams, Eli Wallach

Reviews

  • This movie is the work of a man who knows how to direct a thriller. Smooth, calm, confident, it builds suspense instead of depending on shock and action.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • Here's another thought: This old man who can't leave the house has just made the first important film of 2010.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • The Ghost Writer is so rich you may feel you paid too little for your ticket when the whole thing meets its very Polanski-ish climax. Please don't tell anyone.

    - The Wall Street Journal

    27 April 2013

  • All credit to a finely tuned Brosnan for packing so much intensity and wayward wit into his scenes with McGregor. Their verbal duels make for a dazzling game of cat-and-mouse.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    27 April 2013

  • Satisfying, melancholy political suspense story.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Foreign Film, Not in the Spanish Language (Mejor Película Extranjera)

    Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards (2011)

     
  • Best Director

    Berlin International Film Festival (2010)

  • Best Picture

    Central Ohio Film Critics Association (2011)

     
  • Best Adapted Screenplay

    Chlotrudis Awards (2011)

     
  • Best Adapted Screenplay (Meilleure adaptation)

    César Awards, France (2011)