Movie Review: Burn After Reading

Like many niche film makers, the Coen brothers are generally looked at as infallible by their fanbase. Their comedies are hilarious, their dramas intense and everything in between hits just right.

Unfortunately, this is just not the case. Burn After Reading, the star-studded comedy written/produced/directed by the Coens for an initial 2008 release, is proof that the Coens have gained the fan following to ignore mainstream attention and simply make the movies they enjoy. The result is a disjointed affair more likely to induce confusion rather than enjoyment.

The biggest problem comes from the plot. There are so many different intertwining stories that not a single one is given the chance to shine. Even if time was devoted to sorting out a single plot thread, most of these storylines could be resolved through simple rational thinking. Everything here could have been rapped up in ten minutes in the real world, but here is dragged into a feature length film.

The attempts at humor are also poor. Brad Pitt's character, meant to be a moronic fitness fanatic, utilizes a vocabulary that is unexpectedly eloquent for a man that is supposed to be stupid. The Coens seem to think that idiocy comes from incessant swearing (which Pitt frequently spouts) instead of actually acting stupid.

The actors are, for the most part, fine. Brad Pitt puts in the most interesting performance of this ensemble cast, obviously having fun even when the script lets him down. George Clooney, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand also deliver, although the relatively safe performances seem to indicate that they took these roles as more of a favor to friends rather than due to an actual interest in the work.

On the surface, Burn After Reading looks like it should be a great time. A quirky plot and star-studded ensemble cast would normally be a reason for movie goers to flock to theatres. Thanks to the Coen brothers trying too hard to be funny, the movie suffers. The focus disappears and it becomes an exercise in ego. The abrupt ending also leaves the viewer unsatisfied with spending 96 minutes watching. Burn After Reading should be left the hardcore Coen Brothers fans.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5.