Weekly Review -- Turning the page

The Ghost Writer (2010) -- I have not known Roman Polanski to ever make a bad film. Never. It is one of those universal facts of life, akin to the sky being blue and the universe being endless. His latest film is a political thriller, mystery and drama woven into one, and it is a truly delectable treat.

A writer (Ewan MacGregor) takes on the job of revising the former British Prime Minister's (Pierce Brosnan) memoirs. Meeting his long-suffering wife (Olivia Williams) and enigmatic assistant (Kim Cattrall), the 'ghost', as he becomes known later, slowly settles into his new and explosive environment. Along the way, the politician is charged with war crimes and the writer finds himself in danger, after uncovering clues to a conspiracy...

The narrative is eloquent, moving at a gradual pace and inviting us into intrigue with every sequence. The screenplay by Polanski and Robert Harris, who had also written the novel the film was based on, is taut and intense. Polanski's frequent theme -- that of a lone protagonist getting caught up in a web of paranoia and deceit -- is the main element in this film as well, corresponding nicely to Harris's view of the classic David-versus-Goliath tale. It might be a long shot, since thrillers are not usually recognized during award season, but I will go on the record with my wishful thinking and predict an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

On another note, the central topic of the film is a timely concept, coming to us during a period of worldwide upheavals, when countries are under constant threat of terrorism and people's distrust of government is at an all-time high. Just like he had positioned the machinations of Rosemary's Baby during the second wave of feminism and the corruption of Chinatown in the midst of the Watergate era, to name a few examples, so Polanski has now decided to (literally) haunt the post-millennial, socially charged and digitized politics. Not many filmmakers are so in tune with the twists and turns of their lifetime, and not many of them dare to question the continually imposed authority, but Polanski is always the one storyteller who has his finger on the pulse of the zeitgeist. Geist, indeed.

**HUGE SPOILERS (please highlight to read)**

The only part I did not see as logical was a scene toward the ending. Why on Earth would McGregor's character have announced his findings to Ruth at the book launch? I was already wondering about why he had told her about Emmett at a time when he was still unsure as to who he could trust, and this moment at the party was simply unnecessary. I am guessing that the purpose of it was to demonstrate the futility of his efforts to expose the truth and bring the real culprit to justice, since he was not going to survive a cover-up of such proportions anyway, but it felt redundant nevertheless.

**END OF SPOILERS**

The cast is well chosen, with some of the actors playing very different roles than the ones we are used to seeing them portray. McGregor gives a subtle yet intricate performance as the unnamed writer, who attempts not to get in over his head. Brosnan straddles the thin line between officiousness and sleaze, while Williams is the femme fatale that one might expect Cherie Blair to be in an alternate universe. It was fantastic to see Kim Cattrall as the seemingly cool and collected assistant, especially after the debacle that was the summer chickfest which shall not be named; here, she is a chic puzzle disguised as a posh headmistress, topped with an uncompromising English accent. The performances are an exceptional part of the film, rendered even more effective by their unassuming quality.

The Ghost Writer is a sophisticated film that thrives on the potential of its source and utilizes the power of dialogue to the maximum, in order to deliver its jolts. It does not rely on noises or histrionics to prove its point; rather, it sneaks under your skin through silences that speak louder than any screams. After all, it is the quiet truth that makes more of an impact than a blaring lie. Just ask Rosemary.

10/10