Burn After Reading 2008
Burn After Reading seems designed to be adored by critics, but the critics have been kind of neutral on it. It is very quirky, has an incredible cast, the hottest directors in Hollywood, violence, horrible language, etc. But it is underwhelming at best. It doesn’t seem like anyone in it is trying all that hard, but because of who they are it is a good movie anyway. Much of the humor is just subtle character humor. You know it is funny, but not laugh out loud funny. It might be hilarious on repeated viewings after you know the characters and appreciate the performances and the characters’ weaknesses. And they all have horrible weaknesses. It’s a dark comedy, but still funny (so many dark comedies are more dark than comedy). And it accelerates towards the end.
It is great seeing John Malkovich again though he is playing much the same type of character he has played so well before. Clooney plays a little bit off type (a send-up of his own celebrity image), teaming up with Michael Clayton co-star Tilda Swinton. Brad Pitt is good in a goofy role (again making fun of his own celebrity in a way) and Frances McDormand is solid, but once again is made to look funny looking, more of a clown than a character. J. K. Simmons almost steals the entire show as a CIA boss.
This movie is more of a trifle than a triumph, but it is still fun to watch. B+.
Written: 05 Oct 2008
Owned on: Blu-ray, Digital