Roland Polanski unleashing THE GHOST

Polanksi will direct a Robert Harris book as his next feature after all.

By Matt Holmes /

Man, I was so close to picking up this book at the weekend. If you were wondering why there was a lack of updates at the weekend it was because I had a trip to the nation's capital. I bought myself some books whilst I was there, one of which being Richard Matheson's short story I Am Legend and several times I picked up and mulled over buying Robert Harris' latest bestseller The Ghost.

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In every bookstore I was in, it seemed there was a signed copy of this just begging to be bought.

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In the end though, I didn't buy it. The reason being signed things don't do anything for me, hardbacks I find difficult to read and it's kinda on my Christmas list for presents my girlfriend can buy me this festive season, which means I can't buy it unless she already has.

Anyway enough of my small talk. Today's news is Roman Polanski will adapt The Ghost as his next feature. Ironically this book has taken the place of Pompeii, another Robert Harris book that Polanski was to adapt into a big blockbuster feature before it was indefinitely delayed and officially Polanski-less earlier this year.

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Polanski had been working on that feature for well over a year but when the budget kept creeping over $100 million, it was deemed too much of a risk.

Here's the plot of The Ghost from Variety...

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Story centers on a ghostwriter who is hired to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister. He uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy.

Robert Benmussa and Alain Sarde will produce the film, slated to begin shooting in Europe next fall.

Hopefully this adaptation will have a smoother ride than Pompeii. Much of this book is said to take place in an oceanfront setting during the middle of winter which has the potential for Polanski to explore his regular themes. I can honestly say I've never seen a Polanski film I haven't liked. Can't wait to give this book a read and I definitely can't wait to see this film get made.