Burn After Reading

Released Sep 12, 2008

1h 35m

Comedy

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

List

78%

Tomatometer

248 Reviews

65%

Audience Score

100,000+ Ratings

When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst (John Malkovich) falls into the hands of Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), the two gym employees see a chance to make enough money for her to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo doofuses and those in their orbit.

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Critics Consensus

With Burn After Reading, the Coen Brothers have crafted another clever comedy/thriller with an outlandish plot and memorable characters.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

Burn After Reading is a comedy that makes fun of almost everything, reminding you that almost none of it is laughing matter.

Apr 29, 2019

Full Review

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Although there are a couple of vaguely amusing moments, it fails as a comedy because it just isn't funny, and it fails as a thriller because it just isn't suspenseful and it fails as entertainment of any kind because it is all so ludicrously improbable.

Aug 23, 2018

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: B

Feb 18, 2012

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

In setting up a spy thriller that, given the idiocy of its characters, just-so-happens to proceed like a comedy, the Coens’ best humorist qualities emerge after years of slumber, now well-rested and ready to play.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 5, 2023

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

The Coen Brothers [return] to their comedic-crime roots... with engaging and ebullient results.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 28, 2021

Full Review

Richard Crouse

I know I am about to commit film critic heresy, but I found the film's overly clever story left me cold.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jan 31, 2021

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Richard k

Say something good or don’t say anything! That’s what I’d like to do here. The filming around DC is excellent. The idea is good. The acting is good.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/05/24

Full Review

Colby B

Wow the third act took an unexpected turn.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/16/24

Full Review

Frances B

Enjoyably snarky comedy with a wonderful ensemble cast of quirky characters portrayed by big names who know just how to play them.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

Full Review

Nathan W

I'm not overly impressed with this one, but it wasn't bad either. I wouldn't call it a thriller by any means, but there was some success as a comedy. The characters were over the top and amusing, with some situational comedy thrown in. The plot was messy and ridiculous, but generally entertaining if you don't think about it too much. It featured an all-star cast, but their talents were somewhat wasted on a less than stellar script and strange deliveries. The pacing was good until the third act when it slowed way down. (Normally films pick up at that point, but this one got a little boring). I'm still not really sure what the message was supposed to be, but it was an okay enough way to pass the time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/23/24

Full Review

Audience Member

A little learning is a dangerous thing. This movie is a comedy of errors which quickly get out of hand. It’s got a great cast which is why I watched it. Not keen on the violence.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/11/24

Full Review

Coco B

This is an unexpected movie. Unexpected because I didn't know I was going to laugh so much! The ending is priceless.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/17/24

Full Review

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Joel Coen

Director

Ethan Coen

Director

George Clooney

Harry Pfarrer

Frances McDormand

Linda Litzke

John Malkovich

Osborne Cox

Tilda Swinton

Katie Cox

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Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Baby Crow's Feet