Burn After Reading

3.25
    Burn After Reading
    2008

    Synopsis

    When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.

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    Cast

    • George ClooneyHarry Pfarrer
    • Frances McDormandLinda Litzke
    • Brad PittChad Feldheimer
    • John MalkovichOsborne Cox
    • Tilda SwintonKatie Cox
    • Richard JenkinsTed
    • Elizabeth MarvelSandy Pfarrer
    • David RascheCIA Officer
    • J.K. SimmonsCIA Superior
    • Olek KrupaKrapotkin

    Recommendations

    • 80

      Newsweek

      That's the paradox that makes this parade of folly so much fun: it feels as if everyone involved is having a high old time, and their enthusiasm is contagious.
    • 75

      ReelViews

      This is a thriller with a high quotient of comedic elements or, if you prefer, a comedy with a high quotient of thriller elements. As is always the case with a production of Joel & Ethan, it's difficult to classify, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
    • 70

      The Hollywood Reporter

      Joel and Ethan Coen clearly are in a prankish mood, knocking out a minor piece of silliness with all the trappings of an A-list studio movie.
    • 70

      Village Voice

      The Coens return to familiar territory with the parody thriller Burn After Reading, a characteristically supercilious and crisply shot clown show filled with cartoon perfs and predicated on extravagant stupidity.
    • 67

      Austin Chronicle

      Burn After Reading, the new film from the Coen Brothers, won't be mistaken for "Fargo" anytime soon. Or "Barton Fink," or "The Man Who Wasn' There." Those films were black comedy done to perfection.
    • 50

      Variety

      Nothing about the project's execution inspires the feeling that this was ever intended as anything more than a lark, which would be fine if it were a good one. As it is, audience teeth-grinding sets in early and never lets up.
    • 50

      New York Magazine (Vulture)

      Burn After Reading is untranscendent, a little tired, the first Coen brothers picture on autopilot. In the words of the CIA superior, it’s "no biggie."
    • 50

      Entertainment Weekly

      The movie is overplowed, even if Brad Pitt's debut as a Coen comedy player is eye-catching.

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