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%

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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

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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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J H

My second-favorite Coen Brothers movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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Knuckles M

Brilliant cast brings this movie to hilarious life...I laughed the entire way through...The Coens, Pitt, Clooney, Malkovich, Swinton, McDormand...who could ask for anything more?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/19/25

Full Review

Munish B

Late to the party but this is just the kind of script and a film that excites me. The story keeps moving at a fast pace and new discoveries occur almost every few minutes. Most of the humour is a result of the brilliantly crafted unfolding and the beautifully created memorable characters. Burn After Reading is a must watch specially for the masterclass that it is in comic performances. Super Fun!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/17/25

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Paul S

This has to be the most entertaining movie I have ever seen. It has a compelling story, and it was funny from start to finish. I definitely recommend it for comedy fans!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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Mean G

How anyone could give this movie anything less than 5 stars is beyond me. It’s the equivalent of a Seinfeld episode with the intertwining of story lines! Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Francis McDormand, John Malkovich, etc!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/04/25

Full Review

Renzo G

Es la película mas graciosa que he visto en mi vida

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

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

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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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