Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Burn After Reading (2008)


What is it about? 

A disk containing the memoirs of a former CIA agent end up in the hands of two gym employees which spurs a series of events that affects several lives. 

Who is in it? 

George Clooney - Harry Pfarrer

Frances McDormand - Linda Litzke

Brad Pitt - Chad Feldheimer

John Malkovich - Osborne Cox

Favorite Scene:

Chad and Linda finally call Osbourne to tell him of the found memoirs, and attempt to hint that they wanted a reward for the the discovery. 

Favorite Quote: 

Chad Feldheimer: [repeating in a raspy voice] Osbourne Cox? 

Review:

Burn After Reading is another movie from the Cohen brothers that is downright hilarious. And honestly, while it provides some satire about our government officials working in Washington D.C., the film is about absolutely nothing. Really - absolutely nothing. The film feels Seinfeld-esque with it's wacky characters, silly comments, hilarious remarks, and round-and-round plotted nature. 

However, despite it's inability to provide a moving piece, Burn After Reading is worth every second of it's viewing because of it's characters. Clooney, McDormand, and Malkovich were all wonderful with their characters, however, Brad Pitt stole the movie in his portrayal of Chad Feldheimer. As a viewer you couldn't wait for Chad's next line, and quite honestly, everything about the character is hilarious. 

Burn After Reading is the perfect remedy for mindless, simple, comedic entertainment. 

Grade: 3/5
Labels:

Recent Favorites

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se
Read more

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/28/24

3 Up 1. DiVincenzo Shot - Yeah, I'm biased. And you know what, I don't care. This moment brought me so many jobs this week, and it still is. "Bang! Bang!"  2. Caitlin Clark Effect - Well, here we go. So many of the WNBA teams have begun moving their games against the Indiana Fever to larger arenas. The upcoming WNBA season is going to be so incredibly interesting. 3. Candace Parker - Rounding out a hoops-heavy "Up" this week is the retirement of Candace Parker. Yes, she drives the Knicks fanbase bonkers, but Parker is one of the greatest to ever lace them up. It's a shame she had to retire due to injury, but nonetheless, she should be proud. I personally will remember the 2021 WNBA Finals where she led her hometown Chicago Sky over the star-studded Phoenix Mercury.  3 Down 1. Campus Protests - I've witnessed them personally at NYU. And we are set to see these protests continue, and likely grow, on campuses over the next few weeks. We are likely to s
Read more

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta
Read more