The Ghost Writer (2010)
Strong coarse language
| Director: | Roman Polanski |
| Actors: | Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattrall, Olivia Williams, Timothy Hutton, Tom Wilkinson |
When a successful British ghost-writer, The Ghost (Ewan McGregor), agrees to complete the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan), his agent assures him it's the opportunity of a lifetime. But the project seems doomed from the start - not least because his predecessor on the project, Lang's long-term aide, died in an unfortunate accident.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 128mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (115)
115 Member
Reviews
Sherenne
says
The slowish start soon gets you involved in what's happening...doesn't take long to feel as though everybody has ulterior motives...makes one wonder what goes on in the political world that ordinary people have absolutely no control over....but somebody does!! I enjoyed the plot/story...didn't expect it to end the way it did.
mcfrood
says
A really solid thriller, with great performances by McGregor and Cattrall.
Pete
says
Absolute boring rubbish, I don't know why I even added this to my que
says
excellent movie thought provoking
Steve
says
.
Josh
says
Wonderful film. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat in the good old Hitchcockian fashion. Also really love the performances, cinematography, twists and turns of the script, and to say the least, the gorgeous scenery. Polanski fans, this is recommended even more highly to you.
Denise
says
Too slow moving, (and no actual thrills), to be classed as a thriller - it is more of a 'political mystery'. I like Ewen McGregor and he is probably the only reason I kept watching it. All the other characters were non-entities really.
Phil
says
Excellent work from the actors and Polanski. A political thriller which builds up and keeps the viewer's attention high up. Loved the atmospheric and cold mood in this movie. Mcgregor is great in this and was wondering how he'd end up in the next minute. Brilliant! Not a big fan of Brosnan nor of political thriller so this one convinced me.
Chesne
says
An atmospheric movie, slow moving, quite intense. I enjoyed it even though I'd picked the end before I got there.
Sarah
says
Sorry guys...... this movie sucks! soo boring, nothing interesting in it at all! The only thing I would say is that the cast was good and they acted well.... It's a shame it didnt work for them.
Mandy
says
Boring! On and on. Couldn't see it to the end.
Stewart Robertson
says
did not like, it was too slow
snowgum
says
Good adaption of the book - a good racey, exciting movie that keeps you guessing.
martin
says
somewhat formulaic
Noel
says
Lots of intrigue. Kept you guessing as a god thriller should. It certainly wasn't fast paced but I disagree with some other revues, it wasn't boring. Just a pity about the ending, in my opinion let the whole movie down, but that is Roman Polanski to a tee. Could have been 4 to 5 stars but have deduced some because of the ending.
Nigel W
says
A writer gets more than he bargained for when he is engaged to work on the autobiography of an ex British PM. A classy suspense drama that presses all the right buttons.
Annie
says
BORING!!!! This movie was too slow did not get me interested at all.
Jacaranda
says
Yup, ending too Roman Polanski.
Dasha
says
Only just with a lousy ending.
Jen
says
Excellent, kept the brain engaged
Andrea
says
The copy we watched was faulty, skipped a section in the middle.
garrett
says
I thought it was worth watching - tho a bit boring in places for some people - interesting plot . Acting o.k., twist in the ending
Pete
says
Took a few viewings to fully understand the plot. Worth watching
Pandora
says
My husband liked it – finally I chose an action flick for him! I couldn't quite follow the twists and turns in the story though and found the plot a bit improbable. The inconsistencies nagged me – for example, why was the ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) not invited to stay in the house from the start if they were so concerned about security?
Carolyn
says
I liked this because it was subtle and not in your face. That island would be a boring place to live though. Guessed what was going on but the ending suprised me....who was in on it?
Peter
says
what a griping story and Kim Cattrel played an excellent role along with the other stars, it keeps your guessing right until the end.
Tan
says
A bit slow to begin with, but it got quite interesting towards the end. Did have to force myself to continue watching it to the end.
Kaye
says
Somewhat disappointed.
Pauline
says
I enjoyed the story, intrege & ending which was a bit weird...
Kr
says
Wow i wish that actors would get their accents right for the whole movie not just parts - Ewan your accent stinks, Pierce your accent and your acting stink. Wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone except an enemy
loua
says
Fairly slow to begin with but really sucked us in about half an hour in. We were quite intrigued as the movie was quiet but a bit eerie. Good catch at the end.
Movie lover
says
Any one wanting a movie to haunt them for weeks this is the perfect option. Acting is great, really interesting plot. The scenery is superb.
wm
says
excellent film with a twist in the tail!
pietam6
says
had a problem with this movie. it didn't quite get there. A thriller? Tried to watch it twice without success.
me
says
dragged on, didnt even finish watching it. We liked Ewan McGregor in it tho'.
B. Glasgow
says
Good film, ewan mcGregor , excellent
sandi
says
great twist in this story.
Anita
says
Very mediocre movie - mediocre acting, direction, plot.
Sue Bartlett
says
I enjoyed this movie - it held my interest, and had just enough subtlety to keep me engrossed to the twist at the end.
davidb
says
Not really thrilling enough to be a 'thriller' but an excellent suspenseful drama. Nothing too obvious in the story allows you stay interested right to the end. Typical high quality Roman Polanski. Best acting probably goes to Kim Cattral (and who ever would have thought that).
Boo
says
Really enjoyed this. It was a real slow build, quite suspenseful l and a good old fashioned murder mystery. nice cast and i really enjoyed the styling and the scenary.
Karen
says
I hated this movie! It was so slow and boring!!!
Karen
Docmitra
says
An agonizingly slow build up of suspense leading to a frustratingly lame anticlimax.
Amanda
says
I really enjoyed this movie it made you think and keep guessing.
Laura
says
A slow movie with slightly wooden acting by Ewan. Perhaps that was the instructed approach. However, the movie was a bit stale and grey overall. The architecturally designed house that most of the movie was set in was a bit clinical but it did grow on you and you do find yourself admiring parts of it. It is still worth watching but you need to be patient with it as it has a nice twist at the end. However, don't expect to be too blown away by this movie.
Rob Overall
says
Enjoyed this
bek
says
brilliant
Ken B
says
Excellent story with Hitchcock type ending
vegancampinggirl
says
Very enjoyable, kept me watching and very good ending. Recommended!
Sam
says
Good movie overall, but a bit slow for my taste :)
Sheryl M.
says
Such a shame the cast wasted their reputations on this yawn fest. Badly directed and written, they should all have refused to be named in the credits.
Roc
says
I wouldn't call this movie a thriller. I could see what they wanted to achieve but it didn't quite hit the mark.
Luke
says
Excellently produced and scripted.
Charlie
says
Fairly slow paced. Good movie overall
Margaret Morrone
says
Loved this one. Kept you guessing right to the end.
Jim M
says
Good movie, keeps you guessing to the end. Not Ewan McGregor's finest. Once watched never again.
Maz
says
I enjoyed this movie as I like movies with good twists as I generally can pick them, but this one fooled me a bit. A little slow in some places, but relative and necessary to the story. Definitely very watchable.
JD
says
A great story and the acting was good.
CC
says
Rubbish - not worth watching
john browne
says
Very good, glad I ordered it.
Ron Bollman
says
One of the best dramas produced this year... It has a well-structured narrative supported by excellent acting and is definitely one of Polanski's best directorial efforts. Highly recommended!
kinga
says
very dull kind of movie too a very long time to get into it
mintiegirl
says
Tension continually builds in this gripping thriller. Polanski at his best. Both Pierce Brosan and Ewan McGregor outstanding. Couldn't wait until the ending which was rounded out the film nicely.
Terry
says
Slow moving "thriller?". Ewan McGregor is the highlight of this movie. His character is pretty much the only one you feel anything for. Watching the special features at the end this movie was originally made as a stage play and it comes over a bit like that; characters on a stage. Attractive setting, some good mood development. More substance than entertainment, jarring ending.
Liz
says
Definitely worth a look. Only one negative comment - the ending could have a bit
more to it. Would watch it again.
Zara and Tim
says
Very ordinary.
julie
says
enjoyed this both loved it and we like different sorts of movies so a good one. Lots going on and no time to put a cuppa on.
Rilo
says
At first i was excited to watch a quirky thriller/suspense that ends with a bang but instead by the end I was wishing I could refund time watching this garbage! is there negative stars ?
Lorraine
says
I though Ewen McGregor and Pierce Brosnan spelt a top movie but I was more than a little disappointed. Found the plot slow and the overall atmosphere quite dreary. Maybe I was tired at the time but I just couldn't get very enthused with this movie.
Claudia
says
Disappointing and unsatisfying. Unfortunate choice of film for some good actors.
Carol
says
Enjoyed very much. Clever and exciting
Lavinia
says
A good film with British and American actors; good story and atmospheric location make this a spine-tingling experience to watch.
Darren L
says
Good acting from a great cast and usually great director....... but the plot was way to drawn out and slow paced, which lost the tension it was trying to build.
Nancy Candido
says
Very Intense movie, took a little while to get into it, but once I did found I couldn't stop watching, probably needed to watch twice, as I am sure I missed a lot of the interpretation.
barb
says
keeped you thinking right till the end
Teena
says
Very though provoking movie.
Good watch
Mickey G
says
Great film that could of been better. Would of made a great mini series but when you have big stars and two hours to tell the story, the story is lacking due to lack of detail and character development. Still very stylish and a nice production.
Lyn
says
Reasonably good.
Marg F
says
I too only watched because I was waiting for it to make sense.
Not a favourite
Cass
says
A little drawn out. Only kept watching because we are fans of Ewan McGregor.
Norma
says
An interesting and topical subject - but the aspect of the film that I enjoyed the most was the cineamaphotography. The location was beautiful and stark, and the camera captured the mood outstandingly. The subdued colouring in the film was not depressing but enchanting. I know it was supposed to be set in America but I bet the location wasn't.
russell.belinda@bigpond.com
says
Very bad scriptwriting here. Not an easy movie to watch as it doesn't flow well.
cd
says
Really enjoyed this movie. Loved the slow paced thriller. No fancy frills to spoil it. Kept you guessing until the surprise ending.
JennyB
says
A stylish and moody picture. The location and the house are very atmospheric. Good ending
heather
says
really good, book slightly better though.
Iris
says
Surprising storyline, well acted, extremely enjoyable movie with twists and turns all the way. Both my husband and I felt this was one of the best movies we've seen in a long time. Highly recommend it.
DF
says
Average movie
Sonia
says
Interesting movie but a little drawn out. Good story but lengthy at times.
brian rees
says
very very good one of the best dvd brian,
Matthew B.
says
Could have definitely been shorter and less predictable. Not entirely satisfying despite the cast and director.
kimbo
says
A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy. This film could have been so much better if it was 40 mins less.
nomes
says
bit boring
Diane
says
Entertaining, but predictable. Pierce Brosnan always good eye candy!
Karen
says
This movie was a little hard to follow at times, couldn't really get into to it so I rate this one as poor
Anne-Marie
says
I found this very boring
Kazza
says
Definitely only a drama.... story very boring unless you're into slow dramas.
A rainy day movie when nothing else to watch.
scotchy
says
What a great movie this was.
A complete joy to watch a professional director instead of the usual jerky rubbish we seen to get these days. Agreat mood set throughout in a similar vein to Hitchcock.
Recommended for a thinking audience.
JaneS
says
Interesting. Intelligent. Intriguing.
Kathy
says
We did not enjoy this movie - very violent and not nice subject matter - the subtitles were not expected and a nusience
Nick
says
One of the best murder mysteries I have seen in many a year. Well worth watching.
ma
says
really njoyed it!
Janine
says
Excellent story, beautifully filmed, both Pierce and Ewan were great - as always. Alfred Hitchcock would be pleased.
WAYNE
says
VERY GOOD,PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS THE WHOLE WAY.
Poi Pu Boy
says
Clever story line that starts you guessing from the opening scene. Great acting and a beautiful back drop help to keep you interested for a pretty good payoff.
Becks77
says
I found this movie very dull, predictable, and generally a waste of time. I hate to say it as I usually love Ewan McGregor in anything, but this movie was a real let down.
Eamonn
says
Boring movie, felt like it was going nowhere. Not an ounce of intelligence in the plot or twist. Kim Cattrell's British accent is disturbing
Liz C
says
An intriguing movie that starts out well and builds tension. Ewan MacGregor is brilliant (for a change). My four star rating however is for the GORGEOUS house and surrounds. I know it's sad to consider the architecture but I felt the same about A Singe Man. Anyway, the movie traveled well but I was disappointed in the ending.
Naquita
says
I really liked this movie. Right up until the weak ending. Disapointed just does not describe it.
Clouseau
says
Very good movie. Ewan McGregor is excellent and plays the part of a 'wimpy' ghost writer very well. Pierce Brosman displays the arrogance of a former Prime Minister very well, although he is only in a supporting role. It is not an action movie, but more a suspense political thriller. Perhaps, the suspense could have been greater. I never felt like our wimpy ghostwriter was ever in any real danger. Still, I enjoyed it.
Crozzo
says
Seemed promising however lacked intrigue - somehow not enough drama was created for us to maintain interest, took a while to work out who was who despite reading trailer first! The volume had to keep being adjusted to hear hushed conversations and phone calls that were critical to us working out what on earth was going on.
All in all, a disappointment, with even Ewan McGregor confusing us with mannerisms that conflicted with the script! We were constantly yelling at the tv "what are you trying to tell us??" so that's not so good.... Kim Cattrell's talents were not even used in her role, which would probably have been better played by someone else - her role was very minor. The scenes were not edited very well, were often only 2 seconds long, and on top of that, we wondered why they did not shoot the movie in retrospect, i.e. show us closer to the end first and then go back and work their way to the end that way....we think that would have worked better.
Ann E.
says
A very good movie with an excellent cast, you need to watch and listen to the dialogue, a little slow at times but still holds your attention. Certainly not a 'sit on the edge of your seat' kind of thriller but good steady story and an unexpetced rwist at the very end.
Marg
says
Struggled with this one. It kept me riveted enough to watch until the end but it was slow going. Could have had a more exciting build up and although the final twist was an interesting one, it did leave me feeling like it was a bit of a waste in the end!
gerd
says
A good thriller that keeps you involved and guessing, but without overwhelming car chases and violence. In the end it sort of makes sense, although whether everything in the plot has been resolved or explained is not obvious. A jarring note is Pierce Brosnan as the ex British PM. Not only is he unconvincing in the role, but he sounds like an American (even though Irish born).
Paul
says
Okay movie with a good cast but not as thrilling as it sounds. Very slow moving up until the last minute twist.
David B
says
I really wanted to love this as I am a big fan of the novel. This was really disappointing. A director like Hitchcock would have nailed a story like this. Polanski misses by a mile. Must have other things on his mind....