Burn After Reading
Seen it?2008 | 96 min | Comedy, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It drew serious awards attention, it made about 4 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh.
- The mood
- Darkly funny.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 36 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
78% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 2 Golden Globes, 3 BAFTAs and 1 Critics' Choice Award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$164 million worldwide on a $37 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 576K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
- George ClooneyHarry Pfarrer
- Frances McDormandLinda Litzke
- Brad PittChad Feldheimer
- John MalkovichOsborne Cox
- Tilda SwintonKatie Cox
- Richard JenkinsTed
- Elizabeth MarvelSandy Pfarrer
- David RascheCIA Officer
- J.K. SimmonsCIA Superior
- Olek KrupaKrapotkin