Spoilers question the political intrigue genre.
I do believe that whenever possible, you should separate the art from the artist as well as the filmmaker from its craft. This becomes harder when a creator holds strong, controversial opinions or even criminal accusations. The more formally serious, the harder it becomes. It does become impossible if the work is compromised or tainted because it holds blatant reference, or even worst, endorsement of personal misdemeanors. Controversy aside, I found this a decent movie to watch.
The Ghost Writer (2013) is written and directed by Roman Polanski based upon the novel of Robert Harris. Our unnamed protagonist, only credited as the Ghost (Ewan McGregor), has been hired as a ghost writer to help former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) write his memoirs. He is taking over for the previous ghost writer who drowned under mysterious circumstances. To do his work, the Ghost must travel to a secluded complex in Martha’s Vineyard, where Lang, his wife Ruth (Olivia Williams) and Lang’s personal assistant Amelia (Kim Cattrall) are staying away from the public.
My challenge with political intrigue is boredom. Fortunately, this film does veer away using the talents of McGregor’s eloquence. Brosnan gets some bright spots to speak, sometimes in calculated words but often in bright explosions of emotion or frustration as a public figure in an intimate setting. Olivia Williams does steal every scene that she’s in, being the ultimate politician’s wife but also very often the smartest mind in the room. The movie respects its pacing, not too slow and not to quick until it quickens its pace shifting into the obvious thriller subgenre that is not-so-subtly keeping underneath.
It works. Now, it’s not a race to the finish line. You don’t need to keep track, but it’s obvious that as the audience you will be suspecting people left and right. There’s obviously more than one thing to hide when you’re in the business of politics. However, you can probably guess as a thriller it will try to surprise you as it does aim for a more suspenseful final act. The end feels just a bit undercooked, not out of left field, not a shift in tone but it just appears there was more to be said.
Recommended with reservations. If any of the performers’ cadences are not to your taste, this is going to be difficult. On the other hand, if you’re expecting more action-y stuff, this is not your cup of tea either. But as a talkative and intriguing political thriller, it’s a solid and decent watch although not one you’d need to repeat.
That will do for now.
Never Think Impossible 