The Ghost Writer

Roman Polanski's extraordinarily assured new movie is the best pop thriller in a long time. The plot, despite its topical references to politics and terrorism (specifically the Bush/Blair connection), is really just a MacGuffin. But the acerbic wit and sustained skill with which it is told is exhilarating. The cast is fine, too: Ewan McGregor, present in nearly every shot of the film, has one of his best-ever roles, and Olivia Williams stands out in support. Alexandre Desplat's Herrmannesque score is also a delight. Not to be missed.