The art of ghostwriting, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is to write for another who is the presumed author. However, the ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor) for disgraced Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) is left with no such simple task. Following the death of his predecessor, he must revise a lackluster manuscript and eventually piece together the real story of Lang’s life in Roman Polanski’s political thriller, “The Ghost Writer.”

After meeting with his agent in London, Lang’s ghostwriter, who is only referred to as “the ghost” throughout the film, reluctantly agrees to fly to Martha’s Vineyard to work with Lang on his memoirs. Arriving amidst allegations that Lang illegally seized suspected terrorists in Pakistan and allowed the CIA to use waterboarding techniques to torture them, he only wants to get down to the business of writing the book and staying out of Lang’s political crossfire.

During one of the ghost’s first interviews with Lang about the roots of his political career, he begins to question whether Lang is telling the truth. Searching for answers, he finds photos and documents clearly left behind by his predecessor that makes him realize that Lang’s career is not so cut and dry and he needs to protect his own safety as to not succumb to his predecessor’s fate. Meanwhile, he takes another type of risk by becoming romantically involved with Lang’s wife, Ruth (Olivia Williams).

While Lang is embroiled in scandal onscreen, it’s the film director, Polanski that has been grabbing headlines in the real world. At 76 years old, Polanski was arrested in September on charges relating to his admission of having sex with a minor in 1977. He is currently under house arrest in Switzerland and fighting extradition. Following his September 2009 arrest, Polanski continued to work on post-production of this film.

Regardless of what you may think of Polanski’s personal struggles, this film will remind you why he is a great filmmaker. It is his first film in four years and first contemporary thriller in over two decades. Polanski was honored at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival for his work on “The Ghost Writer.”

McGregor is convincing and believable as the ghostwriter. Audiences are able to see his internal battle as the mystery of Lang’s political career begins to unfold. He also serves as a guide for viewers through this complex political thriller. Often times without much dialogue, he provides the links in order for audiences to follow the plotline clearly.

Brosnan and Williams also give thought-provoking performances as a high-ranking political couple. Brosnan’s character is reminiscent of Prime Minister Tony Blair while Williams demonstrates the pressures of being married to a disgraced political figure. Brosnan doesn’t connect with audiences; yet, that may be by design as his character is so withdrawn from the real world.

The only acting low point is the normally enjoyable Kim Cattrall of “Sex and the City” fame as Lang’s assistant and sometimes mistress. She doesn’t hit the mark in the film and becomes a stereotype of the mistress that is often splashed across the front pages of newspapers.

The performances by McGregor, Brosnan, and Williams are integral to the interesting and fast-paced story that is based on Robert Harris’ novel, “The Ghost.” The filmmakers also use the score of the film to heighten the drama onscreen. The music keeps audiences in tune with the characters’ emotions at pivotal points in the film.

The filmmakers also create memorable backdrops of scenic Martha’s Vineyard as the ghost races to get answers about Lang’s past. Due to Polanski’s legal situation, they decided to film in Germany as a substitute for the scenic Massachusetts island.

This memorable Polanski film with engaging characters is a perfect blend of wry humor and suspense. “The Ghost Writer” is an adult political thriller that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.