Lunch and a Matinee is the retired person’s version of Dinner and a Movie. It always feels so decadent to go to the movies in the afternoon when the rest of the world is working. Here’s what we saw this week.
The Ghost Writer
aka, The Ghost
A little known ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) has been hired to complete the memoir of a former UK Prime Minister, Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). He’s on a short deadline. The former ghostwriter died in a ferry accident before completing the book. The ghost writer joins the Prime Minister, his wife Ruth (Olivia Williams) and other staff members on a secluded island off the coast of New England.
Immediately, the ghost writer suspects something is not quite right with the whole situation. He doesn’t understand why the manuscript of the former ghost writer has to be kept locked up when he’s not using it. What’s really in that manuscript?
Meanwhile the former Prime Minister gets involved in an international scandal regarding decisions and activities from when he was in office. At the same time the ghost writer becomes suspicious about the former ghost writer’s death. All of this adds up to a mysterious thriller that had me gripping my seat. There were all sorts of unexpected twists and turns up to the very end.
The screenplay was written by Robert Harris (he wrote the novel – same name) and Director Roman Polanski. It was filmed in Germany and the North Sea area. The acting was well done and believable. My favorites in the movie were:
- Ewan McGregor as The Ghost Writer. I last saw him playing Frank Churchill in the 1996 version of Emma.
- Pierce Brosnan as the Prime Minister, Adam Lang. I also liked him in The Thomas Crown Affair and as James Bond in a couple of those movies.
- Olivia Williams played the wife, Ruth Lang. I last saw her playing Jane Fairfax in the same 1996 version of Emma.
- Kim Cattrall was excellent as the secretary/assistant, Amelia Bly. She is well known for her role in Sex and the City.
The Ghost Writer is a fast-paced thriller with a good cast. It’s well worth an afternoon at the movies. Enjoy the trailer.
This looks a good movie. I have the book, but haven’t read it yet. If you’ve read it how does the film compare?
Well, I’m really out of it these days – hadn’t even heard of this one! It sounds good though – thanks for the heads up!
Whoa! That trailer looks great — and of course I like that it’s about an author. My parents do Matinee and Dinner. I’m jealous of all the movies they get to see.
I’m not retired, but a friend and I love to do lunch and a movie too! This movie sounds like something we’d like, but it’s not showing here – I’m not sure if it’s come and gone or if it hasn’t made it here yet. They’re opening a new IMAX theater about 3 miles from our house at the end of the month!
What fun lunch and a matinee must be! We rarely go out to the movies; since a ‘date night’ is a treat, I’d rather be face-to-face and catching up than sitting in a darkened theater. One day I too will be joyfully retired
I’ll look for this on Netflix in 6 months or so.
Dave and I love to see movies on Sunday afternoons and then have dinner out. I had wondered whether this movie was any good. Now I want to see it.
This looks like a great movie. So what did you have for Lunch though? I can guess that you probably had Mexican. lol
This is coming to our little independent town theatre the end of May, beginning of June. It does sound good, and I plan to see it, though there’s a part of me that feels like boycotting anything Polanski does.
as someone with a work schedule that often results in weekdays off (and weekends on…) I too enjoy a movie matinee. No crowds…no lines…
this one sounds good, I will have to check it out.
I’m not sure about this particular movie, but I’m with you on the concept! It really is great to go to a movie when everybody else is slaving away! We went to see Avatar at a matinee and when we came out I felt like an 11-year old again — couldn’t believe it was still daytime and still 2010!
it does look like a good thriller (i love thrillers) but, just like Cerrin, what did you have for lunch?? and yes, i am very envious of the leisure you now enjoy…
I’ve been wanting to see this one but it isn’t at our local theater. Of course, I lost the March Madness this year so Jason will be choosing movies for awhile
Now this one sounds like a winner and I might even be able to convince my hubby to go with me!!!