Fresh
These are functioning morons, they walk and work among us. And they are brilliant and funny and in spite of the screwball-comedy nature of the story, they are completely believable.
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
Burn After Reading
Intelligence is relative.
2008 · 1h 36m · R
Comedy, Drama
Directed by
Ethan Coen
,
Joel Coen
Overview
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.
Director and cast
- Ethan Coen Director
- Joel Coen Director
- George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer
- Frances McDormand as Linda Litzke
- Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer
- John Malkovich as Osborne Cox
- Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox
- Richard Jenkins as Ted Treffon
- Elizabeth Marvel as Sandy Pfarrer
- David Rasche as CIA Officer
- J.K. Simmons Cast
- Olek Krupa Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
78%
Tomatometer
Fresh
, Frances McDormand might get nominated for an Academy Award in a supporting role. She was great.
Ben Lyons, At the Movies
Fresh
The Coens are loopy stylists, and it's often amusing to watch this comedy of errors unfold. But after a masterpiece like No Country for Old Men, Burn After Reading is classified as disposable.
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fresh
For fans of the Coens... it suggests, especially on the heels of No Country for Old Men, that they have rediscovered their cinematic vision after several lean years.
Christopher Orr, The New Republic
Rotten
On screen, delusional schmoes are more fun than smart people, and in the latest film from Joel and Ethan Coen, the imperious former spook played by John Malkovich accuses his blackmailers...of heading a league of morons.
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
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