The Coen's Return to the Roots

Rating: 8/10 (17 September 2008)

"Burn After Reading" was an incredible effort from the Coen brothers, right up there with classics like "Blood Simple," "Fargo," and "the Big Lebowski" - you can even see how the film draws from its predecessors. One can see why the critics panned it, it is quite odd - but the didn't the same thing happen to "Lebowski" a decade ago?. The Coen's like to mix up their films ("Lebowksi" after "Fargo," "Reading" after "No Country") - and they shouldn't be faulted for it. The movie, very "Lebowski" meets "Pulp Fiction" - yet much more complex features masterful performances from Frances McDormand, George Clooney and Brad Pitt (who, in my opinion, should rival Heath Ledger in early Oscar consideration for Best Supporting Actor). Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich toed the line, and J.K. Simmons does a great job in a small cameo at the films end. The films strength is the acting - the plot is weak at times (perhaps even unconsciously borrowing elements from "Pulp Fiction") - but the cast pulls it through. Pitt's mannerisms are worth the cost of admission alone. Clooney's character is questionable, but he saves it with his Carey Grant-esquire charm. To enjoy this film one would have to be either a Coen brothers fan or a fan of cinema - the casual movie-goer would likely pan it (like so many critics). Definitely a must see - but you can probably put it off until the DVD release.