"Burn After Reading," the latest edition in Ethan and Joel Coen's offbeat and often distinctive films: some comedies, some dramas, some from another world of intellect, was exactly what I expected - overwhelmingly eclectic.
In the shadow of the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning USA, a stain now exists upon our nation's collective conscious, a condition that must be excised, or our nation will not function properly as one of a self-governed people. Understanding these long standing truths: What would you suggest as a quick, and, or proper corrective measure?
22.22% Destroy the Fascist Donald Trump and all of MAGA, because America must never be Great Again.
77.78% Our self-governed people, and their properly restored institutions, under President Trump, must discover the root causes to properly correct, and save our Constitutional Republic.
0% I thought we had to shut down Free Speech we don't like to save our "democracy," so I am totally confused now.
It was just too bad that Osborne Cox, played by John Malkovich, the angry, alcoholic and recently fired CIA analyst, stood in his way, and Charles Feldheimer, Brad Pitt, was no match for Osborne's substance and work-related induced wrath: Above and then below.
Good acting is a necessary component in character driven movies and this film is absolutely true to form. Tilda Swinton portrays Osbourne's estranged wife, Katie, Richard Jenkins portrays the manager of Hardbodies Gym and J. K. Simmons as the head CIA officer are all convincing and round out a very suitable cast.
Linda Liztke, Frances McDormand, is the center of this story and not always for the good. Here with Hardbodies Gym manager, Ted, played by Richard Jenkins (above), and with Harry Pfarrer, played by George Clooney, as a Department of Treasury and US Marshall bureuacrat.
"Burn After Reading" is probably not the best of the Coen Brothers library, but it is certainly a good film and as it has been my experience with the Coens, as it is with Wes Anderson's films, one should not judge them too quickly lest one misses the point altogether. Considering this truism and that inane dark comedies tend to fall flat or have terrific shelf life, I reserve the right to revisit this film and change my rating of 3 1/4 stars as I may at some point in the future need to change my point of view. Right now I can only say see the film - make your own opinion.
