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Burn After Reading
2008 96 min United States of America, United Kingdom, France R 16+
★7.0
Comedy, Drama
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Trailers
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Description
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.
Budget:
$37M
US Gross:
$60.36M
Worldwide:
$163.7M
Starring
Brad Pitt
Actor
Frances McDormand
Actor
George Clooney
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 2009
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 2009
— Best Original Screenplay
Golden Globe 2009
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
BAFTA 2009
— Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globe 2009
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Georges Awards 2009
— Best Low-Budget/Arthouse Film
Key opinion
Burn After Reading is widely regarded as a masterful, cynical dark comedy that thrives on the absurdity of its ensemble cast and the Coen brothers' signature satirical wit. While a small minority finds the chaotic, nihilistic plot and collection of idiotic characters frustrating or unengaging, most viewers praise the film as a sharp, highly entertaining critique of modern vanity and incompetence.
| Acting | The ensemble cast delivers uniformly excellent performances, with actors like Brad Pitt and George Clooney successfully subverting their typical star personas. | |
| Direction | The Coen brothers' direction provides a seamless, high-paced flow that expertly balances dark humor with a cynical, satirical tone. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay excels by creating a complex, intertwining narrative that exposes the ridiculous motivations and petty follies of its flawed, narcissistic characters. | |
| Humor | The film’s humor is highly effective for those who appreciate dark, cynical satire, but it falls flat for viewers who find the nihilistic tone and lack of likable characters alienating. |