The Ghost

A nameless ghost writer (McGregor) lands a lucrative deal to complete the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Brosnan). His agent insists it is the opportunity of a lifetime, but it soon becomes clear that this is more than just a well-paid job.

Lang has seemingly reluctantly recruited a new ghost writer after the death of the previous one, and the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss are very sinister. His body washes up on the beach with high concentrations of alcohol in the blood, and the police dismiss the case as a suicide. However, as he delves deeper into Lang’s past, the new ghost writer soon begins to suspect that it was murder. Has he uncovered a terrible secret and who, if anyone, killed his predecessor?

These suspicions seem well founded given the dark secrets surrounding Lang. Residing on a grim island of the US seaboard with his estranged wife, Ruth, (Williams) and secretary and mistress Amelia, (Cattrall), the characters are cut off from the outside world. Lang is also becoming increasingly pressured by media accusations that he authorised the illegal seizure and torture of suspected terrorists.

The Ghost is a wonderful piece of cinematic work, a thrilling and gripping viewing experience. The story is told through the eyes of the ghost writer, who increasingly feels that he is putting his own life at risk in his search for the truth about Lang.

Based on the novel by Robert Harris, the allusions to Tony Blair are quite clear. Lang is handsome and charming, but haunted by his involvement in international warfare, angry anti-war protestors and scandal-hungry reporters. The shocking finale will draw resounding gasps from the audience. If you only see one film this term, it should be The Ghost.

Sophie Carroll