Writer/Directors: The Coen Brothers
Starring: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton
‘A Captivating Satire’
Not many actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark as powerfully as Brad Pitt. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Pitt has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s detectives seeking to investigate grim murders, Formula 1 drivers or fight club owners, Pitt has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Pitt’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he is not the main focus of a movie, Pitt has always left a lasting impression. Despite reaching age of retirement, Pitt has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. A movie-star with undeniable charisma, Pitt has become an icon in Cinema. Throughout a powerful career, Pitt has made many memorable films that are worth talking about.
I am a big fan of Pitt and admire all the movies he created in his career. However, “Burn After Reading” stands out as my favourite. Released in 2008, the Coen Brothers’ movie provided an engaging satire. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one is the best satires ever made. At centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a gym employee that faces a scandal. Ultimately, what makes “Burn After Reading” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most satires, the movie tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A breathtaking satire about gym employees, there are several strong reasons why “Burn After Reading” is a commemorated movie that’s worth seeing.
“Burn After Reading” tells the story of two gym employees that become involved in a criminal lifestyle that’s frightening. Brad Pitt plays Chad Feldheimer, a reckless gym employee that has a tendency to get into trouble facing adversity. Accompanied by his friendly companion Linda (Frances McDormand), Chad has always had a talent for committing robberies with enduring any punishment. However, Chad’s life changes when he attains ownership of a disc belonging to a CIA analyst causing disasters. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Chad is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to ever have a bright future. Facing a tricky scenario, Chad questions his devotion towards a career causing sorrow. Discovering the consequences of his actions, Chad questions whether he can achieve retribution.
The Coen Brothers have often been fascinated with the lives of criminals. A fantastic directing duo, the Coen Brothers have always produced engaging movies about criminals which endure sorrow. Their iconic film “Fargo” captured lives of corrupt detectives investigating murders in the town of Fargo. With “Burn After Reading”, however, the filmmakers created their first ever satire. It was the filmmakers’ first attempts to capture the lives of gym employees which face adversity but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, The Coen Brothers capture a pair of gym employees that become involved in a life of crime that causes tragedy. Evoking Mary Harron’s “American Psycho”, the filmmakers effectively use point of view shots to capture hardships that gym employees that face crime are experiencing. For instance, the POV shots enhance the disc discovery scene. During this memorable scene, Chad stumbles across the mysterious disc without awareness that it is dangerous. Using point of view shots, the Coen Brothers construct a portrait of crime that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky to use in movies. As David Fincher’s “Fight Club” did claim clearly, POV shots enhance films about secret societies. Nevertheless, they work well in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, the Coen Brothers capture tensions that criminals are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Burn After Reading” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. The Coen Brothers effectively use production-design of gyms to capture lives of criminals that decline. Throughout the movie, the gym is a pivotal setting that plays a role in the film. For instance, the gym setting elevates the crime scene. During this memorable scene, Chad gets caught engaging in a crime by the police in a gym. Through the gym setting, the Coen Brothers create a crime drama which is captivating. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Carter Burwell’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burden that gym employees can bear. Using phenomenal production, the Coen Brothers capture crimes causing tension.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Burn After Reading” is a satire that’s captivating. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses satire to capture hardships that conmen are facing. The Coen Brothers’ best strength as filmmakers is their abilities to capture the tension: criminals are facing by tragicomedy. The film deftly switches back and forth among moments of seriousness and comedy. At times, the film is hilarious especially in scenes where Chad becomes involved in a criminal lifestyle causing tension. However, the film is also quite serious in its depiction of consequences which come with crimes. Through tragicomedy, The Coen Brothers create a portrait of con artists that’s compelling. Tragicomedy is commonly a complex technique to use in movies. As Adam McKay’s “The Big Short” claimed, tragicomedy enhances financial crisis movies. Nevertheless, it works well. Through an excellent screenplay, the Coen Brothers capture criminals enduring a price to pay.
One admires amazing performances.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his greatest career performances as Chad. Pitt first achieved appreciation for playing fight club owners in dramas. With “Burn After Reading”, however, he took on his most comical role. It isn’t easy to portray a gym employee that becomes a victim of crime that cause adversities but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, strong and emotional in his most engaging role. With riveting expressions, he conveys the charisma, grief and resentments of a gum employee that faces tensions. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talents for portraying emotional heroes under pressure. It’s a strong performance from one of the greatest actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Brad Pitt, the supporting cast is also stellar and worthy of appreciation. George Clooney is captivating, capturing nature of a CIA analyst that becomes involved in life of crime causing tragedy. Tilda Swinton is spectacular, bringing charisma to a CIA officer that strives to resolve disappearance of discs that cause a dilemma. Lastly, Frances McDormand merits praise. As an aging senior, she brings gravitas to the film.
Finally, “Burn After Reading” would achieve the appreciation of everyone for capturing tension that CIA officers are facing. Unlike most Coen Brothers movies which are targeted towards a limited audience, the film tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes such as ambitions, mental health and trauma which would definitely resonate among everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be highly familiar with the lives of CIA analysts to enjoy it. It delivers a meaningful message about the consequences of crime which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Burn After Reading” is one of those rare movies about conmen that everyone would adore.
Fans of Brad Pitt would definitely appreciate “Burn After Reading” and so would audiences seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting satire, it honours an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to inspire.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking satire about gym employees facing crimes with consequences that are dire, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to inspire making unforgettable movies throughout his long-lasting career that audiences always commonly admire.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 