Grade: A-
Synopsis: A philandering Treasury Agent (George Clooney) inadvertently winds up entangled in two fitness center employees’ (Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt) scheme to blackmail a former CIA analyst (John Malkovich).
Burn After Reading is a wickedly funny screwball black comedy from the Coen Brothers that’s essentially a satire of the overriding sense of entitlement that pervades American culture. All the characters are selfish to a fault, and there isn’t a single one you really like.
Yet, the film works. The Coens ingeniously take each character out of his or her element and place them in situations designed to make him or her look as ridiculous as possible. It’s a risky strategy, but the unpredictable nature of the plot just adds to the fun. It’s zany, hectic, and, best of all, never boring.
The cast is astounding. George Clooney is sublime as a philandering Treasury agent with an appreciation of flooring, Brad Pitt nearly steals the film as an empty-headed personal trainer, John Malkovich is a ticking time bomb of rage as an alcoholic ex-CIA analyst, and J.K. Simmons gets all the best lines as a CIA Superior. The Coens wrote the parts with the performers in mind so it’s no wonder they all seem so well cast.
This isn’t a movie for everyone, as it has some rather graphic moments, and an off-kilter sense of humor. Those expecting another O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) may be in for an unpleasant surprise. But while the humor is certainly more subtle than a film like Tropic Thunder (2008), it’s no less effective.
One Response on “Burn After Reading (2008)”:
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Spencer Heath said:
A
The Coen Brothers have reached a new point in their careers. Their films are becoming more uncompromising and more dangerous as they get older. The Coens have proved themselves to a be a gift to the American cinema. Only every so often do we have films that are produced with such risky material. “Burn After Reading” is an incredible revelation about what the people of this country have become. The acting is incredible. The directing is impeccable. The writing is incendiary. The film speaks directly to personal relationships, and the absence of a real bond. This film was very well done, and was a fantastic follow up to “No Country for Old Men”.
