Burn After Reading

[clocker]

Burn After Reading is the latest Coen brothers film, stars John Malkovich, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Francis MacDormand and J.K. Simmons.

In a recent interview the brothers said they first came up with a list of actors they wanted to work with, then defined a character for each actor and finally wrote a story in which the characters would interact.
Seems like a weird way to approach a film but it works.

Much like Fargo, the story revolves around people in way over their heads and events spiral- almost at random- way out of control.

Malkovich gets the movies biggest laugh out loud line...

Spoiler: Show

"Drinking problem? I have a drinking problem? You're a Mormon, compared to you EVERYBODY has a drinking problem!

...but everyone gets their moments.

J.K. Simmons has a small but crucial role- he basically represents the audience. Simmons has become a stellar supporting actor and his turn here- constant incredulous bemusement- is priceless.

Pitt plays against type and Clooney's "basement project" is hilarious.

Any Coen brothers film is worth a viewing...this one is no exception.

[mr. nails]

thought this was a very good film, but it seems incomplete. after the film was over i was left wanting more story. lol, loved malkovich's character. good stuff. coen bros fans need apply. 8.5/10

Spoiler: Show

surprised to see wtf happens to pitts character. was kinda sudden like leonardo de caprio in the departed.

[peat moss]

I liked this movie very much , made copies for all the mates at work . Some liked it , others did n't get the Coen humor . No spoilers but very recommended .

Better than Fargo or Oh Brothers ? No but worth the bandwidth . I'm off to watch Millers Crossing again , I love the idiots and irony of their films I think .

Guy's ever notice it's the things off screen that make you think the most ?

[IdolEyes787]

Miller's Crossing is my second favorite Coen film peat.The Big Lebowski is first only because The Dude is such a perfect character.

[chalice]

Loved the film in an otherwise banal week. The Coens seem to have struck a trend now in leaving their films open-ended. The pay-off was left to a conversation between the 2 clueless SS men. Much like the stark conclusion of No Country For Old Men. Or was that just me?

My favourite is Raising Arizona with Miller's Crossing running a close second. Damn fine films.

[peat moss]

Miller's Crossing is my second favorite Coen film peat.The Big Lebowski is first only because The Dude is such a perfect character.

Ya their characters are like someone we all know and they choose the actors so well . Francis McDermond is a great actress too and reminds me of a few women in my life . Crazy one minute, verunable the next .

[The Flying Cow]

Peat - no offense intended, like - do you take heavy doses of ketamine before posting on FST?

[peat moss]

Peat - no offense intended, like - do you take heavy doses of ketamine before posting on FST?

No and didn't think posting in movies was a crime . If you have a problem with it put me on ignore .

[100%]

They should not have put in all those top notch actors at all.

[clocker]

They should not have put in all those top notch actors at all.

That was the whole point of the film.
According to the brothers themselves, they made a list of actors they'd like to work with, created a character for each actor then wrote a story that integrated the characters. Kind of like The Big Lebowski but with a larger, more star studded ensemble.
More or less a completely backasswards way to do it and certainly the reason that the film turned out the way it did.

I enjoyed the film the first time I saw it but wonder if it will hold up to repeated viewings like my personal favorite Fargo does.