Roman Polanski’s adaptation of this well-loved political thriller provides action and suspense with a well disguised twist; and all with a sprinkling of humour throughout. 

This transfixing picture, based on the novel by Robert Harris, sees an undistinguished writer (Ewan McGregor) hired as a ghostwriter, to re-write the memoirs of former British Prime Minster, Adam Lang, played by Pierce Brosnan. 

Set on a bleak and blustery island off America, the ghostwriter sets about his task, only to unravel a string of hidden secrets surrounding his protagonist, while discovering the truth about the puzzling death of his predecessor.  Many a tense moment is portrayed, with car chases and mysterious phone calls, as the ghostwriter battles to uncover the concealed truths within Lang’s memoirs.

 From start to finish, this exciting and politically stimulating film displays enthralling cinematography, in such a way only Polanski can achieve.  Both Brosnan and McGregor deliver solid and compelling performances, although particular credit should go to Kim Cattrall and Tom Wilkinson for their strong supporting roles. 

The only slight annoyance comes in the form of the less-convincing British accent by Cattrall, although it is a flaw I will pass over because this is an outstanding movie, and one not to be missed.