Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading

2008
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
Ratings:
Brad Score: 6.5/10
Internet Score: 6.7/10
Director:
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Cast:
John Malkovich, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, J.K. Simmons, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche, Olek Krupa
Genres:
Drama Comedy

My notes

I remember seeing this in the theater and enjoying it, though being slightly disappointed that it wasn't a Coen Brothers skewering of the intelligence industry.

What a change nearly two decades make. While this might not have been the skewering of the intelligence industry that I was hoping for, it is a dark and hilarious take down of modern relationships (and a bit of jab at modern intellect).

A solid dark comedy with an A+ cast that left me with the realization that perhaps the only person in this entire film who is happy is Brad Pitt's Chad - who just happens to be the least intelligent person in the film.

Quick runtime, a few pacing issues. The opening 20 minutes cram in a lot and then there's a bit of a drag through the remainder of the first act. Still, a solid way to spend just over 90 minutes.

Watched Jan. 30, 2026 via Streaming — rated 6.5/10