Ghost in the political machine

For as long as there have been politicians who have left office - whether in disgrace or triumph - there have been ghostwriters to write their autobiographies. Still, I can't recall many thrillers that use the trade to drive the action. Smartly executed by Roman Polanski, whose past directorial efforts include such classics as "Chinatown" and "The Pianist," "The Ghost Writer" is a political thriller whose real-world intimations are more than just apparitional.

The film's opening cuts straight to the chase - Polanski doesn't ever give you a chance to think that there isn't something suspect going on. Ewan McGregor's character, aptly billed as "The Ghost" (he is never named), takes over the colossal project of finishing the memoirs of Adam Lang, a former British prime minister. His predecessor, whose body we see washed up on the shore in the opening scenes, has apparently committed suicide - but of course, this being a Hollywood thriller, we don't believe that for a second.

The Ghost makes his way to Martha's Vineyard, where Lang (Pierce Brosnan) is holed up. Under Polanski's direction, the sun-bleached holiday spot is transformed into a rainy, sinister landscape, constantly visible through the large glass windows of Lang's mansion. The murky setting is an appropriate one for this manipulative mystery story, and it greatly helps to set the tone.

Lang is a stereotypical politician. He's suave and ostensibly honest, but he calculates every gesture and expression to his advantage. During the initial interviews between Lang and The Ghost, Lang is confident, leaning back on the couch, sipping his smoothie. But soon, he's being prosecuted for crimes against humanity, and the embattled ex-prime minister's facade cracks a bit from bursts of aggression that are more than a little unsettling.

Through all this, The Ghost is confused but curious. Was his predecessor murdered? What is Lang hiding about his past? Why are Lang's maids so nervous and shaky?

"The Ghost Writer" progresses quickly, bringing in all sorts of shadowy figures to help along the way - including, of course, a Harvard professor. The plot concludes with the usual shocking twist, yet the ending is kind of underwhelming at the same time. I suppose it's a symptom of our media-saturated youth that we find it hard to be scandalized by narrative twists anymore.

McGregor delivers a solid performance as the ghostwriter. His lack of dazzle and personality works because, well, he's supposed to be a "ghost." But what makes Polanski's film different from other political thrillers is Brosnan's performance as the controversial politico.

In one particularly memorable scene, The Ghost accuses Lang of being nothing but a puppet while in office. Brosnan's fervent defense of himself and his actions recalls Frank Langella's tremendous performance as Richard Nixon in "Frost/Nixon" - and, as far as comparisons go, that's one Brosnan shouldn't be too unhappy with. It's certainly a big step up from the guns and glitz of James Bond.

It's interesting to speculate on Polanski's motivations for making the film. "The Ghost Writer" is obviously a commentary on Tony Blair's decisions as prime minister, just like the novel it was based on, but does it end there? Polanski himself is currently under siege for his 30-year-old statutory rape case after being arrested in Switzerland last year. His situation, then, is not all that different from Lang's: both are polarizing figures who have evaded justice, and both, perhaps, are seeking redemption.

4 paws

Pros: Pierce Brosnan gives a stellar performance.

Cons: Slightly convenient ending.