The Coen brothers have done it again. Simple as that. They did it with Academy-award winning "No Country For Old Men", and here they are again. Written and directed by the Coens, "Burn After Reading" is extremely "dark", which means that it is a comedy involving violence, blood, and death. This should already be expected from the brothers, as this is their style of work. But their ability to mix the times of intensity along with the comedy is masterful. Like what every actor says of them, "they know what they want."
Well, this film stars Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, and Richard Jenkins. Heard of any of them? Let's hope so. For those that know them, you know that it is an A-list cast. And yes, they give A-list performances. Pitt and Clooney are effortless and Malkovich is big, bad, and mean with Jenikins as the gentler gym owner. The girls, Swinton, and McDormand, stand their ground with the men and monumentally help the film. Each and every character in this film is dysfunctional one way or the other. If its Clooney's inability to be faithful or McDormand's want for surgery and liposuction, all their flaws somehow relate to one another. And when they mix, everything is just dark but comedic.
Malkovich, a former CIA agent, has lost his files that contain information about this memoir that he plans to write. It falls into the hands of Pitt and McDormand, and they plan to sell it. Of course, when Malkovich finds out about this, he has different plans. The couple of scenes between Pitt and Malkovich are great, whether it is over the phone or the classic scene in the car, it is always hilarious. So how is Clooney in this? Well, he is dating Malkovich's wife (Swinton), who wants to divorce him. Then eh starts dating McDormand. Yes, it sounds confusing, but the Coens masterly bring these dysfunctional worlds together.
"Burn After Reading" is a hilarious adult comedy with some great acting. The script is excellent and the look and feel of the film fits terrifically well with the subject manner. The violence is surprisingly insane and cruel, but you somehow always find yourself laughing during this film. Altogether another fantastically made movie by the Coens. And yes, this is one of their best efforts.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
