Customer Reviews

Ghost Writer

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As the blurb states, there is no such thing as over-the-top in this feature -- it IS over-the-top, and the result of Cumming's writing/directing is one of the most enjoyable, albeit quite ghoulish, arthouse films I've ever seen.

The movie centers around John Vandermark, a strange, angry and rather dislikeable man who has an admitted weakness for very handsome struggling young male artists. Enter Sebastian St. Germaine, a gorgeous author who is currently taking advantage of Vandermark's "charity" by staying in Vandermark's house, eating his meals, and ignoring his thinly veiled sexual advances.

The movie takes off from there in an explosion of fury and extremely dark comedy, blood and hysteria. David Boreanaz plays Sebastian to perfection as a dark, angry man who is also rather abusive and egotistic, and his performance as the young man (who is eventually murdered in a scene of gruesome macabre that is too memorable to go into detail here; you'd have to see it to believe it) is one of his best to date.

However, Alan Cumming's performance as John Vandermark is really the one that will stick with you. It's like watching a lunatic running through a hallway of funhouse mirrors; constantly shifting in a dizzying whirl. He cries and whines, he screams and tortures, he laughs and breaks into hysterics. His performance is pitch-perfect and his directing is, while not groundbreaking, definitely something different to see.

This movie is incredibly artistic and feeling, probing into the darkness of obsession and the explosions of passion therein with devastating effect. There aren't really any light moments throughout the film; but that only makes the overall theme of loss and obsession easier to maintain. Boreanaz and Cumming deliver amazing performances and make their characters really come to life, and they were the high points of this movie. However, memorable performances were also given by Anne Heche and of course Carrie Fisher.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys independant/arthouse films, but also to anyone who enjoys dark humor, the macabre, and the gore-splattered art. I was lucky enough to see this on a big screen, and I believe the DVD will not be lacking.

WARNINGS: This is a very dark film, and there is a scene of physical torture. The death scene is one of the most amazing in the movie and the shining point in particular of Boreanaz's acting performance, but it is very graphic and incredibly disturbing. Although this is not rated, be warned that there is blood, sex, and swearing, and nudity if my memory serves.

RECOMMENDATIONS: If you enjoyed this film, the extremely disturbing and highly enjoyable art film "Perfume: The Scent of a Murder" would also be highly recommended. Another David Boreanaz film with rather disturbing black humor subject matter that you may also enjoy would be the Canadian independant film "These Girls."

This movie was a bit blood thirsty but I enjoyed it as David Boreanaz was in it and played a good part. It was a bit slow at first but bear with it, it gets better

Alan Cumming stars in and directs the offbeat "Ghost Writer" (also strangely called "Suffering Man's Charity") and delivers a near classic in the realm of overwrought bad movie mania. I loved so many elements in this ridiculously over-the-top opus, but when it counts the most--the film settles too easily. Campy and hysterical, the film has a delightful set-up and an absolutely jaw dropping middle section--but loses momentum considerably as it struggles to its endpoint. If you are approaching "Ghost Writer" as a manic enterprise in excess, there is plenty to recommend this oddity. The picture may, in fact, benefit from a few cocktails during the viewing. If, however, this isn't your thing--you will undoubtedly be confounded by the film's flamboyance.

Cumming plays a sophisticated recluse who invites struggling young artists into his home to mentor their creative endeavors. He has other designs as well--it certainly isn't a coincidence that his projects are typically handsome men and a little rough around the edges at that. His latest is portrayed by David Boreanaz who takes advantage of Cumming mercilessly as he is supposedly working on a book. The dysfunctional duo push things too far and the film evolves into a macabre thriller. At one point, the campy confrontations took on the mania that recalled the loudest moments of the classic "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" When it is discovered that Boreanaz has, indeed, been writing a book--and it's based on Cumming (the title is one of the funniest punchlines), there's simply no going back. The battle is physical and it's bloody. In the aftermath, the film loses some of its fun but still reaches a satisfying conclusion.

The film boasts appearances by Anne Heche, Jane Lynch, Henry Thomas and Carrie Fisher but no one has much to do. The movie belongs to Cumming and Boreanaz. Only a wickedly funny Karen Black can steal the spotlight. I hadn't seen Black in years--and her five minutes of screen time are pure lunatic inspiration. I laughed so loud at her antic over-acting, I had to refresh my alcoholic beverage when it sloshed out of my glass. "Ghost Writer" is definitely not for everyone--but those looking for a campy gem might find much pleasure in this little film. Not great movie making, by any stretch, but a lot of fun. About 3 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 3/11.

Campy, dark, over-the-top! I absolutely adore this movie. I laugh harder each time I see it. What does that say about me!?! As a matter of fact, I am watching it right now.

WONDERFUL performances from Cummings and Boreanaz, who both really shine. What a departure for Boreanaz. I have to give kudos for the risk.

WOW, that bathroom scene is something vile and nasty. I liked it! Give me the look any day Sebastian!!! I'll bring the maple syrup. Plus, you will never look at women's underwear and Christmas lights the same way again!

I will admit, this film is not for everyone, but it is good, not so clean fun, in the vein of Rocky Horror.

Silly movie, basically no plot, best interaction is Alan Cummings and DB, have watched it numerous times and never get tired of it regardless of no plot.

I can say it is an excellent film, because out of the conventional and is a reality soon accepted by the majority of the people. Let pass details of the things that surround us and that we may make with respect to obtain the acceptance of others.

This movie dwells on the darkness within us and how our actions have equal reactions. If you like dark stories, then this movie definitely fits that profile.

This DVD was not for me. If it were'nt for the cast and their previous performances I would'nt have purchased this dvd on it's own merits as it did not justify their true acting abilities. The dialogue is too long winded and totally above my comprehensive level. The crux of the story line came too late and finished rather open ended. I consider myself to be in to a good story but didn't feel it in this instance. My apologies to others who may find it gripping.

omg horrible!!!!!! made no sense just seemed to go on forever. i don't know why david boreanaz would stoop to playing such a awful role!!!! bloody for no reason, dialog sucked ect.

The movie took me by surprise. The story twist was kind of dark but in the end after i understood the concept i really enjoyed it!!!!!!!