The Ghost Writer
The Ghost Writer Image
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Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 160 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Ewan McGregor, Olivia Williams, Pierce Brosnan
  • Summary: A gifted author hired to ghostwrite the memoirs of a controversial former British Prime Minister becomes a hunted man when he uncovers explosive secrets about the past. (Summit Entertainment)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    This movie is the work of a man who knows how to direct a thriller. Smooth, calm, confident, it builds suspense instead of depending on shock and action.
  2. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    80
    Polanski has made a genre piece with a verve and vitality that’s in sadly short supply.
  3. Arizona Republic
    Reviewed by: Bill Goodykoontz
    80
    Polanski builds suspense slowly, exquisitely. It's not a matter of shocking the audience, although there are surprises, but of creating an ever-growing sense of dread.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    60
    This is a slicker, shallower exercise. It's hypnotic as it unfolds, but once the credit roll frees you from its grip, it doesn't bear close scrutiny.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 72
  3. Negative: 16 out of 72
  1. HCSouza
    10
    It's not the best Polanski I've seen (the most unsettling for me is still The Tenant) but it is still a Polanski, very political - smashing over plausibility to make a point - very critical, dark and thrilling. Loved it.… Expand
  2. grandpajoe6191
    8
    Roman Polanski uses "The Ghost Writer" to show that he's still not old, and he perfectly demonstrates his abilities to the audience. He leads the movie with smooth direction and even has the capacity to add humor in such tense situations. Man, I do like this guy...… Expand
  3. Pat
    5
    Too long and too contrived, I did not like it. And the sex was gratuitous.
  4. StephenS
    3
    Clearly the reviewers and I did not see the same movie. The writing was contrived and plot-driven. The audience was laughing out loud at scenes that were supposed to be tense. There was so much implausibility here. Then when the wife of the prime minister jumps into bed with MacGregor, the audience fell out of their chair. This is a weak movie. Could someone please tell me I'm not crazy? thank you.… Expand

See all 72 User Reviews

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