Der Ghostwriter

Eigentlich habe ich Lust, Der Ghostwriter eine noch bessere Bewertung zu geben. Einen scheinbar so friedlichen, aber gleichzeitig unglaublich dramatischen und spannenden Film habe ich lange nicht mehr gesehen. Außer Brosnan, McGregor und der präzisen Regie vom Meister Polański möchte ich auch die sehr gelungene Musik von Alexandre Desplat, die kleine Rolle von Eli Wallach (wie macht er es nur, dass er immer noch arbeitet?), die sich allmählich steigernde Stimmung und die letzten fünfzehn Minuten hervorheben. Vier und noch ein Stück dazu. (08.09.2010)

Eine Spielfilm-BMW-Promotion mit dem unverwechselbaren Schnitt von Polański. Tüftelig komponierte dunkle und verregnete Bilder, eine kollektive Schauspielsinfonie. Ein Plot ist für das alles nur eine Notwendigkeit. (11.06.2010)

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)

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)

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)