The Ghost Writer

Promotion BMW pleine longueur dans la coupe incomparable de Polanski. Des images assombries et pluvieuses composées avec minutie, une symphonie collective d'acteurs. L'intrigue n'est qu'une nécessité pour tout cela. (11/06/2010)

Very well crafted, with a gloomy rainy atmosphere, but pretty much about nothing, unfortunately. Given how relatively (unnecessarily) long it is, it almost lacks a twist or a climax. It has a lot of politically biased commentary, but only one tense scene. I must say that Polanski has quite disappointed me with this film. When it comes to tension, it’s only a weak tea of the genre’s best, though with great execution. Compared to this year’s Shutter Island, The Ghost Writer is the clear loser. (08/07/2010)

It is almost admirable how Polanski managed to create a small cinematic treat out of a seemingly dull, shabby and not very exciting premise. Everything from the actors to the pleasantly old-fashioned direction works like a Swiss watch, the tension is not created by flashy moments, strained dialogue or, God forbid, action, but by an omnipresent paranoid atmosphere, the distant setting and the eternally cloudy weather. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised by the final twist (although the film doesn't stand on it) and I applaud Polanski for the ironic slap to the unprepared viewer at the very end. 4,5*. (26/07/2010)

Stylish comeback. Inscrutably mysterious plot in an indistinctly attractive environment with an atmosphere of subtle absorption - I expected many things, but definitely not such a self-assured exploration of paranoid moods or political intrigues. That tangible feeling of tightening loops I still can't shake off. (21/08/2010)

It's not really rocket science, as we learn at the end, but Polanski pulls the viewer along very skillfully throughout. The cold and distant atmosphere created by the weepy weather and one architecturally ornate house works. It's not classic "schizophrenia," but McGregor's paranoia grows to unsuspected proportions as the minutes tick by, especially with the equally excellent ensemble cast around him, and I waited for the climax with the eagerness of a small child. The handing of the tickets is one of the most intense scenes of the year. 4 ½. (19/06/2010)