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

Waxing Poetic

Men and women are really a strange lot. They can be different in a lot of ways. This poem proves the point.

Women's Love Poem

Before I lay me down to sleep,
I long for a man, who's not a creep,
One who's handsome, smart and strong
One who loves to listen long,
One who thinks before he speaks,
One who'll call, not wait for weeks.

I hope he's gainfully employed,
When I spend his cash, won't be annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door,
Massages my back and begs to do more.

Oh! Send me a man who'll make love to my mind,
Knows what to answer to'how big is my behind?'
I trust that this man will love me to no end,
And always be my very bestfriend.


Men's Love Poem

I crave for a deaf-mute nymphomaniac
with huge boobs who owns a bar on a golf course,
and loves to send me fishing and hunting.
This doesn't rhyme and I don't give a sh*t.

Author: No idea, wasn't me!

...

Goodbye America, Hello China? The plot thickens

Being an ardent follower of global affairs, I find the recent events particularly telling and highly interesting. I am referring to the deteriorating state of the United Stated of America as the de-facto World Leader and the rise of the “sleeping dragon” - China. For many years since the end of the Second World War, America has dominated the world stage in terms of economy, military, culture and everything else in between. They are the only remaining superpower country in the whole of planet earth. Things are changing now.

With recent events, America’s military strength is in question. Their economy is faltering and instead of pulling the rest of the world up, they are dragging them down. Its moral ascendancy has also been tarnished reason why their influence over other countries also waned. Everything really rises and falls on leadership. But that’s another topic.

Meanwhile, China is on the rise. Until recently, China has been hailed as the next superpower. Their economy is rising at a rapid speed. Chinese culture is pervasive to the point that even Hollywood movies cater to this demographic. China also plays an important role in brokering peace between nations whose conflict runs long and deep. August 8, 2008 marked a special date for China. It not only showcased the world that it can stage a very successful opening of Olympics, the date also marked as China’s coming out party, a special day to tell the world that it’s now China’s time to take the leadership role in global affairs.

But there's a twist. With the latest China melamine scare that shocked the world, it’s sterling reputation only a few months ago was replaced with doubt. The melamine scare was not only confined with milk products. It now involves other food and non-food products. The world starts to think that almost everything China-made cannot be trusted.

Meanwhile, the US Presidential Elections is just around the corner. For many Americans and other citizens of the world, they see it as a chance to “Change” course and restore America’s leadership. In the Global Electoral College map by The Economist magazine, where a question is asked: What if the whole world could vote?, an overwhelming majority favors Barack Obama (read: Change).

Does this mean America will rise again and restore its role as the force for good in this world? Will China be able to contain the damage of its latest crisis? Will other countries just stand by and watch? Or are we seeing the start of radical change in this world where countries are undermined by unseen forces plotting their next attack?

The plot thickens.