Burn After Reading is Intelligently Stupid

You would think that a film that stars John Malkovich, George Clooney and Brad Pitt would create such a major noise, it would be the talk of the town weeks before AND after its actual showing. Well, that thinking is wrong.

Just recently, I watched “Burn After Reading” – yes, the movie was starred by John, George and Brad among others. It was directed by Coen Brothers who are famous among movie connoisseurs. Confession: I don’t have an idea that such a movie exists and even more clueless on what it’s about until about 10 minutes before I actually saw the film.

The movie’s synopsis goes like this (from IMDB): A disk containing the memoirs of an ex-CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.

The movie’s storyline has Nihilism written all over it. You will realize that behind the clearly spoken words and superb acting provided by the movie’s casts, lie the stupid characters and an even stupider motivations. Don’t get me wrong, this “stupidity” unfolded on the screen very intelligently – thanks to its Director – Coen Brothers. As the story progresses, I find myself more and more absorbed in the complex labyrinth of absurdity and “shock value”. Towards the end, all loose ends were astutely tied up and you will realize, the movie is extremely funny in a smart kind of way.

I am tempted to reveal more interesting scenes in the movie but I don’t want to spoil it to you guys who haven’t seen it yet. What I can share is that this movie reminds me of Quentin Tarantino movies in style and substance. For those of you who knows Quentin, you know what I mean.

This movie has not made a lot of noise, which is very unfortunate. If it’s still showing in your place, watch it immediately before it’s too late.

Here’s the film’s trailer for a brief sampler.

Burn After Reading – Movie Trailer