BURN AFTER READING
RYAN: The Coen brothers’ follow up to their Oscar-winning “No Country for Old Men” is “Burn After Reading,” and I think it’s safe to say we both enjoyified this film tremendously.
CAROLINE: I thought it was hilarious. It’s a typical twisted, offbeat Coen brothers dark comedy. It starts a little slow because they have to lay some groundwork, but once it gets in full swing, it’s great.
RYAN: I think it’ll appeal to a larger audience than “No Country for Old Men” because it’s much lighter and more comedic. It starts out almost like a relationship drama and then quickly turns, and you’re like, “Aha! Now it’s a Coen brothers movie.” I just loved that. I very much appreciate their brand of filmmaking.
CAROLINE: The movie has its share of violence, which goes without saying for the Coens. It’s almost two different movies; one half is about marriage and infidelity, and the other half is CIA, Washington D.C., missing files and spying on people. And it’s got its slapsticky moments as well. Brad Pitt does his best Katie-Holmes-in-“Mad Money” impression by dancing around constantly listening to his iPod.
RYAN: Brilliant reference! Of course one of the great things about having an established director, or in this case, directors, working with a cast that they’ve worked with before is that magic really can happen. There’s such great chemistry between the characters. Tilda Swinton and George Clooney were so great, and Frances McDormand, hello! Sometimes we forget what a great character actress she is, but she really pulled this character out from the way she talked to the wig to the way she held herself. Every detail was spot on.
CAROLINE: And I loved Richard Jenkins too, even though he didn’t have a huge part. I’m always happy when he’s in a movie. But I think I was most impressed by John Malkovich. This movie really reminded me of what an amazing and versatile actor he is. He was killing me in this movie, he’s so funny.
RYAN: I’m predicting an Oscar nomination for him. He was brilliant. His character is so angry and constantly swearing and he takes it to a level that is so believable.
CAROLINE: I don’t think anyone has said “What the f$#%?” in a movie as much as he did in this one. And the conviction with which he said it is truly remarkable.
TOM: Not since Danny Aiello in “Do The Right Thing” has f$#% been said with such tenacity.
RYAN: Thank you, Tom, who saw the movie with us. I also want to give a shout-out to J.K. Simmons because I love him on “The Closer.” He only appears towards the end of the movie, but once I saw him it was like the icing on the cake.
CAROLINE: I must say I was impressed by George Clooney’s physique. He goes running several times in the movie and he looks fab.
RYAN: He’s so skinny!
CAROLINE: He’s in great shape, and very toned.
RYAN: I know, but he has like zero body fat. Brad Pitt’s looking very fit as well, as is Frances McD. They’re all in great shape, other than John Malkovich, who I thought was in really good shape until the scene where he’s walking in his undies.
CAROLINE: I don’t think physical fitness is really one of his top priorities. Bottom line?
RYAN: This movie is very well done, and it’s everything that you want from the Coen brothers at their best. I’m not saying it’s their best film, but it’s a good one and I loved the soundtrack and the costumes. Having Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt play personal trainers – how can you go wrong? I highly recommend this movie. It’s funny yet dramatic, and what’s better than the two of those things together?
CAROLINE: This movie killed me. It’s hilarious, almost unexpectedly so. I knew it was going to be more farcical than their last film, but I didn’t know there would be so many laughs. It got funnier as the movie went along, and then kind of irreverent about D.C. and politics. It’s a thinking-man’s kind of humor. And it’s just so much fun to watch this great cast. Don’t miss it if you’re a Coen brothers fan.