Character and plot are a couple of pretty important literary elements, just ask any sixth grade English teacher. No matter the rubric, Joel and Ethan Coen's latest assignment, 'Burn After Reading,' would be littered with gold stars.
The filmmaking siblings have been crafting intriguing stories filled with memorable characters for over two decades now, delivering such gems as 'Raising Arizona,' Fargo' and 'The Big Lewbowski.' Riding high on the success of 2007's 'No Country for Old Men,' the writing/producing/directing duo has taken a step back from that picture's dark tones and released an espionage farce laced with outlandish comedy.
A brilliant ensemble cast brings life to the Coen's characters. John Malkovich is Osborne Cox, a disgruntled ex-CIA agent whose booze-fueled memoirs find there way into the hands of a pair of unassuming gym workers played by Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand (a long-time Coen favorite). Pitt steals every scene he is in, giving the dimwitted Chad Feldheimer a childish charm.
The pair eventually cross-paths with federal marshal Harry Pfarrer as they try to profit from the "raw intelligence" they've come across. George Clooney (another Coen fav) is solid as the neurotic, paranoid marshal, who has a 'thing' for flooring.
From there, in true Coen style, the stories become entangled, blurring and blending as these average 'joes' get in way, way over their heads. In the end, there isn't much for closure, but that does little to take away from the redeeming entertainment value of this film. It's a well-told story, filled with unpredictable turns and unforgettable characters.
The Denouement:
Absolutely Essential for fans of past Coen films and for fans of any of the cast.
Quite Essential for anyone looking for a unique, entertaining movie-going experience.
A brilliant ensemble cast brings life to the Coen's characters. John Malkovich is Osborne Cox, a disgruntled ex-CIA agent whose booze-fueled memoirs find there way into the hands of a pair of unassuming gym workers played by Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand (a long-time Coen favorite). Pitt steals every scene he is in, giving the dimwitted Chad Feldheimer a childish charm.
The pair eventually cross-paths with federal marshal Harry Pfarrer as they try to profit from the "raw intelligence" they've come across. George Clooney (another Coen fav) is solid as the neurotic, paranoid marshal, who has a 'thing' for flooring.From there, in true Coen style, the stories become entangled, blurring and blending as these average 'joes' get in way, way over their heads. In the end, there isn't much for closure, but that does little to take away from the redeeming entertainment value of this film. It's a well-told story, filled with unpredictable turns and unforgettable characters.
The Denouement:
Absolutely Essential for fans of past Coen films and for fans of any of the cast.
Quite Essential for anyone looking for a unique, entertaining movie-going experience.
