Burn After Reading 2008
"Intelligence is relative."
In Ethan Coen's dryly hilarious *Burn After Reading (2008)*, a discarded CIA analyst's memoirs accidentally land in the hands of Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand), a vain gym employee desperate for plastic surgery, and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), her oblivious coworker.
Director: Ethan Coen
Cast
George Clooney
Harry Pfarrer
Frances McDormand
Linda Litzke
Brad Pitt
Chad Feldheimer
John Malkovich
Osborne Cox
Tilda Swinton
Katie Cox
Richard Jenkins
Ted
Elizabeth Marvel
Sandy Pfarrer
David Rasche
CIA Officer
J.K. Simmons
CIA Superior
Olek Krupa
Krapotkin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Burn After Reading (2008) about?
A discarded CIA analyst's memoirs fall into the hands of two dim-witted gym employees who hatch a desperate blackmail scheme, only to trigger a series of absurd mishaps. Their incompetence collides with the machinations of real spies, leading to a comedic disaster of unfulfilled ambitions and unintended revelations.
Who directed Burn After Reading?
Ethan Coen directed *Burn After Reading*, bringing his signature blend of sharp wit and chaotic storytelling to this 2008 dark comedy.
Who stars in Burn After Reading?
The film features George Clooney as a bumbling CIA analyst, alongside Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, and Richard Jenkins in standout roles.
Is Burn After Reading (2008) worth watching?
*Burn After Reading (2008)* is a razor-sharp satire for fans of Coen Brothers' humor, blending dark comedy with espionage tropes. While it may not be their deepest film, its absurdity and stellar cast make it a rewarding 96-minute watch for those who enjoy clever, cynical storytelling.
How long is Burn After Reading?
The runtime of *Burn After Reading* is 96 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Burn After Reading (2008) — A Dark Comedy of Errors Starring George Clooney
In Ethan Coen's dryly hilarious *Burn After Reading (2008)*, a discarded CIA analyst's memoirs accidentally land in the hands of Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand), a vain gym employee desperate for plastic surgery, and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), her oblivious coworker. What starts as a laughably misguided blackmail scheme spirals into a chaotic web of deceit, incompetence, and unintended consequences, dragging along a parade of eccentric characters—including a smug Russian spy (Tilda Swinton) and an increasingly unhinged former analyst (John Malkovich).
The Coen Brothers blend sharp satire with absurd humor, crafting a dark comedy where intelligence is weaponized, plans unravel, and no one comes out ahead. With its deadpan delivery and cringe-inducing set pieces, *Burn After Reading (2008)* is a masterclass in blending comedy and drama, leaving audiences both amused and slightly unsettled.
