 
Burn After ReadingMPAA Rating:
 for pervasive language, some sexual content and violence.Reviewed by: Misty Wagner Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Crime, Drama, Comedy
Length:
1 hr. 36 min.
Year of Release:
2008
USA Release:
September 12, 2008 (2,300 theaters)
DVD release: December 23, 2008 
“Intelligence is relative.” Throughout the course of “Burn After Reading” I kept asking myself how I would even begin to review this film. I sat, waiting for a plot to emerge in some way which would easily fit into a neat little summary. That never happened… In fact, as the characters on the screen became more twisted, things only complicated more. “Burn After Reading” is a very dark comedy by the Coen Brothers (“No Country For Old Men,” “Fargo”) and is brimming over with performances of an all star cast. Perhaps this movie is similar to one of those uniquely complicated pieces of art work in a sophisticated and eclectic gallery, where the very purpose and meaning of the piece changes from each admirer. From my perspective, this is a tale of greed—financial greed, sexual greed, greed of alcoholic proportions… There are five main characters. Characters whose lives don't all move about in the same circles. Somehow though, through events of no significant proportions, the lives of each of them are altered unspeakably, changing the course of their lives from there on out. Osborne Cox, (John Malkovich) is an alcoholic and recently out of work government employee, when he finds himself the target of a blackmail scheme by two gym employees Chad Feldheimer and Linda Litzke. (Brad Pitt And Francis Mcdormand) Meanwhile, Osborne's wife Katie (Tilda Swinton) is having an adulterous affair with womanizing sex addict Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney). The choices that each character makes, to only further their own greed, only serves to hurt themselves and everyone else. NegativeProfanity in this film is incredibly heavy, from the very beginning. Sex is a central theme in the film. Though I don't remember any nudity, there are simulated sex scenes and sexual dialog consistently throughout the course of the movie. There are a few instances of violence, one which is shockingly graphic because it is unexpected, though the scene is brief. There is no value put on love or marriage, and very little value placed on a life. Both of those issues did not sit well with me, at all. And that is, sadly, just the tip of offenses… The performances of Brad Pitt and George Clooney would easily be highlights to this movie. Many of the laughs are derived from their lines or expressions. Even so, had it not been for the string of a-list actors, this film would be even weaker than it already is. Certainly not one of the best films the Coen brothers have done. By now, most people who flock to the theaters to see a Coen brother's film already know what to expect in regards to offensive material. Making as much sense as any other film of theirs does though, this one holds true to their creative direction and clever scene shots and camera angles. As always, there is an unpredictability which keeps it's audience engaged. “Burn After Reading” is laugh out loud hilarious, but a majority of it's funny is over the top—in your face offensive. Despite any laughs that I may have had, at the end of the film I honestly couldn't find one redemptive quality. In good conscience I could never recommend this film. As I said though, this isn't to say that it isn't funny, just that it's far more offensive than comical. Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Extreme See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Negative
Negative - I took the time to read another review before I saw this. It said that there were some four-letter words in there and some sexual suggestions in it, but I didn't get the sense that anything was overt. Negative - The Coen brothers odd ball humor has increasingly become more and more depraved and sick with time. This movie is supposed to a comedy of errors. I do not agree that it is complicated, because there is not supposed to be a point. The graphic violence, sex, and non-stop barrage of F-words is certainly enough to condemn the movie by itself but even if you saw a cleaned up version, the film never develops into anything but a vastly depressing 'comedy' of errors. Yes, Brad Pitt's antics were cute, but you saw that in the commercials so spare yourself a thoroughly unpleasant evening and stay home with your family. Negative - I completely agree with the reviewer on this film. It definitely fits the 'extremely offensive' label to Biblical values. And yes, I am asking myself why I stayed through it. To say my nephew is not a believer and to say we have different 'tastes' in movies is an understatement and I am always looking for ways to connect with him. I had seen the previews in the theater, which made it seem just like a clean funny movie, and like the chemistry between Brad Pit and George Clooney and thought this would be one we could see together. I 'assumed' it was PG-13 so didn't check it out before making a date with my nephew to see it. I think that is why I stayed. Negative - I'll make this real simple. About an hour into this movie, there is a scene where George Clooney unveils a machine he's built. It is designed for a female to fornicate. It shows a simulated male organ that bobs up and down. Negative - If I have to say anything positive about this film, I would say that I appreciated the cinematography. It seems the movie was filmed in the DC/Maryland area, and it painted a very pretty picture of that. As I seem to remember it was filmed in the fall, which is a beautiful time of year for that region. Negative - Ugh. I walked out of the film it was just that bad. I always enjoy Clooney and Pitt, but this one was not worth the effort. Positive
Positive - I saw this yesterday, and I loved it for it's sheer randomness. The performances are all over the top and hilarious. John Malkovich was born to play this role. Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand are hilarious as two dim-witted gym instructors who get in over their heads when they find a CD that contains some really important, really CONFIDENTIAL information on it. It's basically about how one stupid action can lead to several other actions of stupidity, that eventually lead to blackmail and, well, since this is a Coen Brothers film, extremely grotesque murder. Positive - This movie was crazy. Brad Pitt was funny in it...he played a brainless nut, yet with a personality that won you over. It truly made me like Brad Pitt once again as I hadn't really enjoyed to much of what he has done lately. He was a bit of clown in his acting which I don't think I have seen before. Francis McDormand also plays a nut obsessed with improving her body, won't go into that. George Clooney played his role well as a creep. Tilda Swinton play her part well too as a looking out for herself type part. They were all self absorbed. The movie was much better than I had anticipated as far as acting and entertainment. The content is extremely offensive and you have to understand that this movie is just a 'crazy' movie, silly, and if you do get offended easily, it will offend you. There is nothing Christian in this movie. |
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