The Ghost, written and directed by Roman Polanski based on the novel of that name by Robert Harris, is the story of a writer (Ewan McGregor) employed to ghost the “autobiography” of a former British Prime Minister who has a lot in common with Tony Blair. He soon uncovers evidence that the mysterious death of his predecessor was no accident, and the CIA seems to be involved. It’s not quite up there with Rosemary’s Baby, Chinatown or The Pianist but is a very well executed thriller that is also fun viewing for Lefties.
Robert Harris was a Blairite Political Editor of the Times until he started making a lot more money from writing novels . He did fall out badly with Blair over Iraq (that is evident in his choice of subject matter) but he’s still one of Peter Mandelson’s best friends – Mandelson is Godfather to one of his children. That doesn’t stop this movie being well worth watching though. It’s out on Monday on DVD, £9.99 at Amazon.
