Burn After Reading

Synopsis

Burn After Reading is a dark comedy crime film directed by the Coen Brothers, featuring an ensemble cast led by George Clooney. The story follows a chain of comedic misadventures triggered when a disk containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst accidentally falls into the hands of two dim-witted gym employees who misinterpret the document as containing highly sensitive government secrets. This entanglement leads to a series of absurd, chaotic events involving espionage, deception, and misunderstandings, all set against the backdrop of modern Washington, D.C. The film combines sharp wit with sharp satire, delivering a humorous yet cynical commentary on intelligence agencies, personal ambitions, and human folly.

Cast

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  George Clooney

  Harry Pfarrer

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  Frances McDormand

  Linda Litzke

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  Brad Pitt

  Chad Feldheimer

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  John Malkovich

  Osborne Cox

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  Tilda Swinton

  Katie Cox

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  Richard Jenkins

  Ted

Reviews

Burn After Reading received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique blend of dark comedy and satire. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 78% approval rating, with the critics' consensus highlighting its entertaining and sharply written screenplay alongside strong performances by the cast. The site noted, "Burn After Reading offers a wickedly funny take on espionage with standout comedic performances and the signature Coen Brothers’ style." Metacritic assigns the film a score of 63 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews, appreciating the Coens' characteristic humor but pointing out that some viewers might find its plot convoluted or its pacing uneven. IMDb users rated the movie 7.0/10, reflecting a solid appreciation from general audiences for its quirky characters and unexpected narrative twists. Reviewers from major publications like The Guardian praised the film's clever writing and comic timing, while others remarked that despite its sharp humor, some narrative threads felt less satisfying, characterizing it as an offbeat but enjoyable entry in the Coens' filmography.