Burn After Reading
09/26/08 | Movies, Reviews | 9 Comments
You’re either going to love this movie, or loathe it. It definitely takes a certain type of humor to get this movie. Luckily, I have said sense of humor, so I didn’t leave disappointed, but I can’t claim the same for everyone.
This story starts with Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) as he gets fired from his job at the CIA for being an alcoholic. He’s in a rocky marriage with uptight Katie Cox (Tilda Swinton), who is having an affair with Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney). She wants to divorce Osbourne and marry Harry, though she doesn’t realize that Harry is a sex addict—and slightly neurotic!—and their relationship doesn’t mean as much to him as it does to her. With me so far? In the meantime, Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) wants to get plastic surgery to improve her looks and hook a man. She works at a gym with happy-go-lucky Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), where they find a CD containing information about CIA agent Osbourne Cox. They decide to try and blackmail Cox into paying to get the information back, and it basically blows up in their faces.
And that’s really only the half of it! Basically, this is the Coen Brothers’ idea of a Soap Opera, though much more entertaining, and with MUCH better acting!
There are a lot of big names in this movie (most of whom are listed above), and it’s nice to see most of them taking themselves not so seriously. One of the biggest scene stealers in this flick is Brad Pitt, whose blond streaked coif and tight gym shorts only add to the slightly dimwitted character. He is able to portray this almost childlike enthusiasm and innocence that gets caught up in something more dangerous than he could have ever imagined.
Some of the most hilarious scenes in the movie were between J.K. Simmons (as the CIA Supervisor) and another CIA officer, as they try to understand the situation from their end. The story is so ridiculous that the Coen’s brought in these characters just point that fact out to us and make sure we knew THEY knew the movie’s ridiculous.
Now, this movie isn’t all sunshine and dildos (you’ll get that if you’ve seen the movie). Some people actually die, and in some not so nice ways. BUT, they were shown in such a way that they’re actually kind of funny (or, at least I think so!). Just be prepared for it when you sit down with your garbage bag of popcorn and three liters of soda.
I didn’t see There Will Be Blood, but I’m guessing this isn’t the kind of movies the Coen’s are expecting to get Oscar noms for, and they certainly won’t. It was entertaining, it was funny, and I didn’t feel like I had wasted $10. That’s a big plus!
Like I said, not everyone is going to like this movie, but some of you will. I’d recommend it to friends of mine who share my sense of humor. For me: 7/10.
Until next…
Kyle W. Kerr
Leave a comment on Burn After Reading
You can leave a comment using the form located below the comments list, or I now offer registration so you don't have to fill out the comment form every time you visit!
If you're already a registered member, please login below.
(Note: Non-registered members can use the regular comment form at the bottom of the page.)
-
Comment by SparklieSunShine :: Sep 30, 2008
Yeah...I would probably hate this movie. You know how I am.
I’m glad you enjoyed it though. I haven’t been to the movie theater in ages.
-
Comment by Caryn McGinty :: Oct 2, 2008
Thanks for doing this review! I’ve been really curious to see it, but I haven’t heard much about it, and the trailer wasn’t very specific. Now I definitely know I want to see it.
Did you see Kiss Kiss Bang Bang? It sounds kind of like that.
-
Comment by Pam :: Oct 3, 2008
I kinda skimmed your post because my biggest fear is spoilers. But, it is a must see because of the Coen brothers and Brad Pitt. (I think he’s one of the greatest actors of this age. Twelve Monkeys, Snatch? C’mon!)
And sorry I’m not able to compare, but Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is excellent.
-
Comment by Kyle :: Oct 4, 2008
Pam - Don’t worry, I HATE spoilers! I would never put them in a movie review. Anything you see if basic information that wouldn’t ruin the movie-going experience for you… What would be the point in that?!
BP is an amazing actor, and I can’t WAIT for his new movie to come out… The Curious Case of Benjamin Button! You should definitely check out the trailer for it if you haven’t seen it already!
-
Comment by Pam :: Nov 27, 2008
Kyle--new post, please! (Unless you’re really busy or just not in the mood, but just wanted to say I’ve missed your blog!)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
-
Comment by Caryn Caldwell :: Nov 30, 2008
I second Pam’s comment!
Subscribe to the Journal
Thanks for the great review! Now I really want to see the movie. With such a great cast it’s got to be good! And even though the Coen brothers are quirky, they’re brilliant quirky. Plus, I love the idea of seeing Brad Pitt in a totally different role than usual. Did you see Tropic Thunder? I didn’t like the movie that much, but Tom Cruise is fantastic in it! He plays so against type that I think he should be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting. He stole the movie in my eyes.