Polanski is finishing new film from jail, screenwriter says

While legal reps on both sides of the Atlantic argue over the fate of director Roman Polanski, the Oscar winner is quietly attempting to complete work on his latest film, "The Ghost," from his jail cell in Switzerland, where he awaits word on extradition to face sentencing on a statutory rape charge.

Robert Harris, who penned both the novel that inspired the film and its screenplay, said that Polanski is attempting to make decisions from prison, including decisions regarding composer Alexandre Desplat's score. "He can make his wishes known from his cell," Harris said at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in England. "I don't think he can make phone calls, but he can communicate." According to Harris, Polanski is attempting to complete the film for its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February. "The Ghost" stars Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall, Tom Wilkinson and Eli Wallach.

Polanski was arrested in Zurich on Sept. 26 for fleeing the United States 31 years ago on the eve of his sentencing.

-- Paul Gaita

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