BURN AFTER READING (2008) *** Fear and love in the Beltway, courtesy of the Coen Brothers. It all works, but like the milieu depicted the spectacular individual pieces are somewhat dysfunctional, never quite working together. Whether that's just more evidence of the Coen brothers genius or not, I'm willing to go either way on. But without further explanation let's do what they do in Washington, and take roll call: George Clooney is most important, not because he's kind of the lead or the best actor, but because he's a cool guy and everyone likes to work with him, and so it's got that fun feel that his movies invariably do. Brad Pitt is never convincing as anything but the hero but he's come to realize that, and is very funny mocking lesser equals through imitation. Rarely has the word "shit" been realized so comedically. You think John Malkovich isn't a scary, intense, haunted mutherfucker as a fired CIA guy with a scotch in one hand and a gun in the other? Funny scary. It's supposed to be funny, and Tilda Swindon as the children's doctor in full-on Wicked Bitch of the West mode. Frances McDormand as the fitness instructor desperate for plastic surgery, Elizabeth Marvel on reading in Seattle. There's some other ones too, but those are the final contenders. So who wins? I would have gone to Malkovich until the final, absolutely brilliant, wrap it up and throw it all out scene, where J. K. Simmons deconstructs the entire intelligence community, without bothering, noticing much, or anything in any way learned. Somehow leaves you happy about it, too.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!