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Burn After Reading

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Burn After Reading

R

Released Sep 12, 2008

1h 35m

Comedy

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

245 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

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

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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

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James Croot

The Post NZ

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

Rated: 4/5

Apr 28, 2021

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Richard Crouse

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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Stephen C

LOL, successful comedy movie in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Rated R for Some Sexual Content, Pervasive Language and Violence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

Full Review

Mason M

Though I didn't think it worked very well as a comedy, I really enjoyed Burn After Reading. I usually like the Coen Brothers' films, and I'd say this was one of their better ones. One of the main highlights of this film was definitely the world building. The dense cast of characters and the amazing various sets and locations create a very nice world. The cast was another highlight, all the main characters were equally great in their performances. And each of the small side characters were also equally entertaining to watch. I find with many of the Coens' films, they work better as dramas than comedies, and this was a very thrilling and dense espionage thriller when looked at it like that. This was a very enjoyable watch, and one of the Coens' best.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/27/25

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Matt K

Definitely one of the Coen’s more over-looked films. Stellar performances from the entire ensemble. Brad Pitt is as good here as he’s ever been. The film is brisk, funny and rewards multiple viewings. A satire of the “intelligence” community showing we are all dumb in our own ways.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/18/25

Full Review

Bert C

Just settle in and sit back. The Coen Brothers take us on a fun ride with a terrific cast that moves fast. Just watch out; there may be a car in your rear view mirror.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

Larry K

Stacked cast. Very funny but way too much going on.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

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J H

My second-favorite Coen Brothers movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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

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

2:07

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - A League of Morons

3:15

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Raw Intelligence

1:36

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Cocktails and Goat Cheese

1:39

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Appearances Can Be Deceptive

2:13

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Tuchman Marsh

2:32

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Caught and Shot

2:11

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Osbourne Is Out

2:06

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - I Got His Number

1:54

Burn After Reading: Official Clip - Harry and Linda's Blind Date

2:05

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Producer: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Screenwriter: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Working Title Films
Rating: R (Some Sexual Content|Pervasive Language|Violence)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 12, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $60.3M
Runtime: 1h 35m

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