The second film we attended at TIFF ’08 was Burn After Reading. The screening took place at 11am and surprisingly the theater was packed to capacity. Even though the it was not a premiere and no celebs were in attendance, I was still very excited because it was one of my most anticipated films of the trip. Coming off their Oscar winning film No Country For Old Men, the Coen Brothers take this film in a different direction. Burn After Reading is a very original story in a genre that is hard to define. It’s almost like a spy thriller satire, and once you understand what the Coen’s are getting at, then it makes for a hilarious film and an extremely enjoyable movie experience.
The movie follows Osborne Cox, played by John Malkovich. He is laid off from his job at the CIA and begins recording his memoir. He also may have a slight drinking problem. When his wife Katie Cox, who is preparing for a divorce, steals his memoirs it somehow ends up at Hardbodies gym and in the hands of Chad Feldheimer and Linda Litske played by Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand. Chad and Linda then try to use the disk to their advantage by blackmailing Cox. Things get a little strange after this. Throw in Harry Pfarrer a womanizing Internet dater, played by George Clooney, and CIA Superior who is very confused by the whole situation, played by J.K. Simmons, and you get this complex, crazy comedy.
The cast is superb. Clooney is paranoid, loves floors, and is hilarious in his scenes. Malkovich is angry, hates idiots, and was a great casting choice. Swinton is bitchy, annoying, and looks like a damn pelican. McDormand is very likable, silly, and really wants to have 4 surgeries done. But everyone takes a backseat to Mr. Brad Pitt. Pitt is hilarious, acts like a naïve child, is a “mere good Samaritan”, and loves to dance and say Osbornnnne Coxxxxx. Everything he did I laughed at, he steals the show. He proves that he is an amazing actor that can really tackle any type of role.
Do I think Burn After Reading will be an awards contender? No. Will it be near the top of my list of comedies in 2008? Definitely. So do yourself a favor and go check out this silly spy thriller on Friday, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Imdb: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
Moviewiseguys: 8.0/10
MADE BITCH!!!!
