Review: Burn After Reading

What better time to start a blog than on the weekend where a pair of my favorite directors release their new film. After receiving the best picture Academy Award last year for their film, "No Country For Old Men," the Coen Brothers (whose filmography also includes classics such as "Fargo," "The Big Lebowski," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" among many others) return with what could be considered the ultimate "anti-spy" film.

The plot, in short; two half-wit gym employees find a disk containing possible confidential government material then take it upon themselves to try and return it...for a price. Blackmail, adultery and murder all come in to play as the characters try to figure out what's really going on.

Now first of all, let me preface this review by saying that I am a huge Coen brothers fan. I've watched every one of their films multiple times, and "The Big Lebowski" ranks up with my favorite films of all time. So obviously I went into this film with a bias. While purchasing my ticket, I was positive I was in for one of the best movie going experiences of the year. So I finally made it to my seat, sat back, and prepared to laugh and be whisked away by the tale about to be put in front of me. Twenty minutes later, I was still waiting for it. Forty-five minutes later, still waiting. The Coen brothers have done that I never thought possible, make a mediocre film.

Before getting into any of the negatives, I'd like to discuss the positives. Because however mediocre some parts are, some parts are excellent. First off, let's start with the directing and cinematography. The Coen's have always been able to amazingly portray moods and even tell story with nothing but what they show through the camera, and this outing is no different. Adding to the terrific cinematography, is the near perfect sound design. The score, by Carter Burwell, along with the images put on the screen, almost propel the film more than the actual story.

Acting wise, with a cast like this, how can't things be good. John Malkovich, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, and Tilda Swinton are all very good and very fun to watch. One of the best part of this movie may be the fact that you get to see all of these prestigious stars hamming it up and acting like idiots (which most every one of the characters in this movie are.) Which brings me to Mr. Brad Pitt. Pitt appears as the dumb-witted gym employee who realizes that the disk that is found in his gym is full of "secret shit." He hams it up and his character is pretty much a complete moron, but Pitt walks the fine line of seeming too stupid, and amazingly comes out as one of the more likeable characters. In fact, I would rank this as one of Mr. Pitt's most entertaining movies to date. (Comedy wise.)

So after praising the directing, sound, and acting of the movie, here's where things go downhill. Most of my problems with the film involve the plot and it's simplicity. Unfortunately, almost any talk of the plot could spoil something for those who haven't  seen the film, so I'll avoid specifics. But the main problem I have with this movie, is the fact that it lacks "heart." Even in movies that the brothers have made that are filled with characters that are utterly confused and on the surface very one dimensional, they still find a way for the audience to care about them and even relate to them. In Burn After Reading, the characters are too the point of stupidity that instead of us caring about them, we are left sitting in our seats, wondering how all of these people can be so clueless. 

This movie isn't terrible, hopefully I'm not making it sound as such, but it's far from Coen brother quality. And as a huge fan of their films, the comparison is inevitable. As of now, I would give it only an average review of a five or six out of ten. Although it is still significantly better than most of the trash being released these days. 

I plan on watching it a few more times, because as people know, the Big Lebowski opened to horrible reviews, only to gather an enormous cult following years later. Maybe this is one of those movies,  or maybe it really just is what you see on the surface. Either way, as it stands currently, it's still a disappointing outing for the brothers.

More thoughts on the film after I see it a few more times sure to come.