Burn After Reading (2008)
96 minutes
Rated – R
Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
Starring: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, and JK Simmons
Grade: B
Boys will be boys. The same goes for how the Coens will always be the Coens. Following their most successful movie in their career, No Country for Old Men, they return to their quirky selves with this goofball, spy-thriller, comedy… or something like that. I don’t know, I can never quite categorize a Coen brothers film.
Anyway, here’s the plot in a nutshell and I promise not to give too much away. CIA agent Osborne Cox (Malkovich) quits his job after being demoted because of a drinking problem. His wife, Katie (Swinton), is having an affair with an ex-secret service agent Harry Pfarrer (Clooney). Harry debates whether or not to leave his wife for Katie, but at the same time uses online dating for one night stands and meets Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand). Linda works at a gym with her bumbling friend Chad (Pitt) who stumbles upon a disc of CIA information that traces back to Osborne Cox. Their scheme is to blackmail Cox for money that Linda needs for cosmetic surgery.
Okay, is your head spinning? Because mine sure was during the film. Nonetheless, the Coens found a way to make this silly spy satire into something extremely enjoyable. All of the characters were memorable and it was just pure fun to see these actors in roles they have never played before (besides John Malkovich who always plays the foul mouthed, angry and bitter man). There were a number of minor plot twists to prevent this film from committing cliches, and a fair balance of comedy and depth to keep me interested.
If you’re expecting another Oscar contender from the Coens, you will be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a smart, zany film… then Burn After Reading will please your needs. It’s not the Coens’ best work, but it’s still pretty darn good.
Posted by Rob Eng 
