It’s hard to view this production in the United Kingdom without thinking about a particular former Prime Minister – particularly because of how “Lang,” portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, is presented with an almost familiar ease. He's attempting to get his life story written, and after an incident removes the current author from the project, his staff choose someone who doesn’t seem interested in or knowledgeable about politics. This unnamed individual (Ewan McGregor) receives specific guidelines regarding the manuscript, including whom he can discuss it with, and his subject's wife, "Ruth" (Olivia Williams), initially appears quite accessible. However, his inquiries soon begin to raise questions—especially when he starts feeling like someone is observing him, shadowing his movements, and controlling events. “Lang” quickly finds himself publicly involved in some war crime inquiries, prompting the ghost writer to question how far his boss may have gone to cultivate and encourage a connection between his country and the USA, where they now reside and work. With internal power struggles also playing a role, his secretive secretary "Amelia" (Kim Catrall) and a rather mysterious contribution from “Emmett” (Tom Wilkinson) add layers to what becomes an elaborate political thriller, in which McGregor occasionally delivers a good performance. He effectively conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed as his character gets caught up in situations far beyond his understanding. Roman Polanski maintains a brisk tempo throughout, with the cold atmosphere and isolated settings contributing to a sense of threat and deception. The beginning is somewhat slow, but it gains momentum once it's underway.

Source on TMDB