FRESH

Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading.  I just saw it last night.  Another Coen brothers success in my opinion.  Maybe it won't reach the comedy cult status of The Big Lebowski or O Brother, Where Art Thou?  But it should appease those who were disappointed with the recent Intolerable Cruelty and The Ladykillers (both of which I however loved greatly).

Who here has seen it?  What did you think?

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

It has all the expected elements of the Coen brothers.  Stupid people getting in over their heads.  Ransom (or more like blackmail) / Kidnapping (or suspected kidnapping).  Quirky people.  Shocking violence bundled close with humor.

Anyone have a favorite moment?  Mine might have been when George Clooney's character catches the guy from the law firm that his wife hired to follow him.

Re:Burn After Reading

Risselada:

Burn After Reading.  I just saw it last night.  Another Coen brothers success in my opinion.  Maybe it won't reach the comedy cult status of The Big Lebowski or O Brother, Where Art Thou?  But it should appease those who were disappointed with the recent Intolerable Cruelty and The Ladykillers (both of which I however loved greatly).

Who here has seen it?  What did you think?

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

It has all the expected elements of the Coen brothers.  Stupid people getting in over their heads.  Ransom (or more like blackmail) / Kidnapping (or suspected kidnapping).  Quirky people.  Shocking violence bundled close with humor.

Anyone have a favorite moment?  Mine might have been when George Clooney's character catches the guy from the law firm that his wife hired to follow him.

Re:Burn After Reading

Ok, so you quoted me, but didn't say anything....

*SPOILERS*

What do people think about them killing off Brad Pitt's character somewhat early on?  I feel like it was a great attack on our expectations, and by killing one of the most likable characters played by one of Hollywood's biggest stars, I found them to be really kind of taking it out against Hollywood convention.  There were some people in the audience who could not stop laughing, but others who just couldn't allow their preconceptions to be shattered.  There was one guy who couldn't stop laughing and you could hear his girlfriend hitting him and saying out loud "why are you laughing??"  It made everyone else in the theatre laugh.

Re:Burn After Reading

Risselada:

Ok, so you quoted me, but didn't say anything....

*SPOILERS*

What do people think about them killing off Brad Pitt's character somewhat early on?  I feel like it was a great attack on our expectations, and by killing one of the most likable characters played by one of Hollywood's biggest stars, I found them to be really kind of taking it out against Hollywood convention.  There were some people in the audience who could not stop laughing, but others who just couldn't allow their preconceptions to be shattered.  There was one guy who couldn't stop laughing and you could hear his girlfriend hitting him and saying out loud "why are you laughing??"  It made everyone else in the theatre laugh.

There was uncomfortable laughing at my theater (after the initial whoas and OMGs) as well - it was a violent scene. There were a couple typical Coen Brothers "wood chipper" moments that made my sqeamish wife cover her face (The Malkovitch hatchet scene was pretty graphic too), but even she enjoyed the movie. We both loved the conversations between David Rasche and J.K. Simmons - so funny and clever. Most people are going to think it's a minor work after "No Country..." but it's one of the best films I've seen recently.

Re:Burn After Reading

Yes unlike in Legends of the Fall, where Brad Pitt's pathetic character only dies at the very end while fighting a bear, or A River Runs Through It (An excellent film btw), where his character, again, doesn't die till near the end despite being a blatant fool, this movie finally does something right - it kills Brad Pitt's stupid character quickly. I enjoy Brad Pitt as an actor, and certainly he has had some excellent roles, but pandering to the audience who must have their beloved hottie kept on screen despite it being barely believable he hasn't been clubbed to death in a back alley is just UNFORGIVABLE! (heh hope you catch that reference, god bless youtube).

I can't wait to see it now!!!