CLEMENTINE'S REVIEWS

19th January 2009
Burn After Reading (2008)

Writers: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Actors: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John  Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins

This ensemble film introduces a bunch of characters all going about  their lives and bumping noses with each other. Osbourne Cox (Malkovich) has recently been pushed to resignation and he's angry  about it. His wife (Swinton) is a cold brittle woman (sound familiar?) conducting an affair with the affable Harry Pfarrer (Clooney), who is also trying to find happiness in his life. McDormand is really brilliant as Linda Litzke, a gym worker who is convinced cosmetic surgery is the only possible next step. The character and her quest is an excellent combination of pathos and hilarity. She is absolutely unaware of the affection her boss (the ever wonderful Richard Jenkins) has for her. Pitt rounds out the main cast as Linda's co-worker, the completely dopey upbeat Chad who I needed to keep reminding myself is actually a 45 year old, not the teenager he acts like. The casting is terrific, each character almost larger than life as they fumble around life, stepping on each  others toes.

When I looked up some reviews, viewers had polar opposite reactions  - most quite enjoyed it while some felt really agitated by the pointlessness. The thing is ridiculous does not equal pointless. The  script is really funny and the actors hit it spot on. You just have to laugh at how inane people can be. It is a successful dark absurd comedy about the ludicrous things that happen everyday.