The Ghost Writer
The Ghost Writer

The Ghost Writer

2010Movie128 minEnglish

A writer stumbles upon a long-hidden secret when he agrees to help former British Prime Minister Adam Lang complete his memoirs on a remote island after the politician's assistant drowns in a mysterious accident.

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IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes84%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users77%
Director: Roman PolanskiGenres: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling writer takes on the job of completing the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, who is living in self-imposed exile on an island. As he delves deeper into the ghostwritten manuscript, he uncovers a conspiracy that puts his own life in danger. The writer finds himself entangled in secrets and betrayals, questioning the true nature of his employer and the political machinations he's uncovering.

Critical Reception

The Ghost Writer was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its taut direction, suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances. Critics lauded Roman Polanski's skillful handling of the thriller elements and the film's intellectual depth, with many considering it one of his best later works.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and intricate plotting.
  • Ewan McGregor's performance as the conflicted protagonist was widely commended.
  • Lauded for Roman Polanski's assured direction and sophisticated thriller elements.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's intelligence and suspense, with many enjoying the mystery and the compelling narrative. Some viewers found the pacing a bit slow at times, but overall, it was considered a well-crafted and engaging thriller.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival. Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the BAFTAs.

Fun Fact

The island setting for the film, Martha's Vineyard, was actually filmed on location in Germany and on the island of Sylt in the North Sea, due to Polanski's inability to travel to the United States at the time of filming.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

It's quite difficult to watch this in the UK and not draw parallels with a certain real former Prime Minister - especially given the way "Lang" is rather chummily played by Pierce Brosnan. He is trying to have his memoirs written, and after...
Renovatio

Renovatio

Such an eerie and haunting movie… I expected just another political thriller, but this is so much more interesting… The remote setting, the media storm… the layered motivations of the characters, sexual, financial, political etc… It w...