My better-half wanted to rent some movies.  She picked a few I did not recognize.  I insisted we rent Burn After Reading, thinking I'd watch at least one decent flick.  From the previews I expected a pretty funny film.  What a let down.

Burn After Reading is a spoof of spy films, obviously.  I was really disappointed in the direction of this movie. 

John Malkovich is a government employee with problems.  He has a particular level of clearance.  He quits his job and begins writing his memoirs, thinking a book may come of them. 

In the meantime, in comes George Clooney who is into personal protection.  He has head problems.  He brags about how he's never shot anyone.   

Brad Pit works in a gym.  He's a personal trainer.  Not the brightest person. 

There's also a lady in the gym (can't remember her name, sorry), who is middle aged and is concerned about her outward appearance.  Mid-life crisis, no doubt.

Anyway, Clooney is having sex with everyone.  He's also a paranoid freak from all the years of protecting others.

Malkovich is losing his mind, his marriage and is a drunk.

Brad Pit is dumb and looking for a way to make a quick buck.

The gym lady wants several expensive cosmetic surgeries to enhance her aging appearance.  She's also internet dating.

A disc with government info is found at the gym.  Pit and the gym lady attempt to blackmail Malkovich.  Clooney gets involved indirectly because of his adulterous sexual affairs, and so the story goes.

It all sounds good, but it really wasn't.  The humor was very dark.  A lot of depression.  A lot of cursing.  The gym lady is very depressed over her aging looks and inability to find a man.  Pit is killed, shot in the head.  Malkovich hacks someone to death.  Quite a bit of foul language and especially the 'f_ _ _' word.  Not a comedy as I expected, or as hinted via the previews.

Personally, I think this movie could have went slapstick and been much more effective.  It is as though the producers could not make up their mind whether to make this film a comedy or a drama.  It seemed to flip-flop back and forth. 

Brad Pit is a great actor.  I think he could have done much more with his character.  Clooney was good as someone with paranoia.  But I think his part became too serious.  Malkovich is also good, but his part was way too serious for my tastes. 

I'm sure not all will agree with me.  I've never been a fan of dark humor.  I like a comedy that is light hearted and makes me laugh.  Watching someone get hacked and another's brains blown out just isn't a 'knee slapper' in my book.  That's like a 'funny' moment on the Sopranos.

Overall, there were a few somewhat funny instances.  The humor is much more adult.  This movie is definitely an adult film.  With all the great talent, I suppose anyone interested should watch this movie.  But I'm sorry I did.  It's not a movie I'll ever watch again. 

You know, sometimes, so many scenes are shown on a preview as to give away everything about an upcoming film.  In this case, Burn After Reading, the previews were done right.  They made me want to see the movie.  Next time I'll keep my mouth shut at the movie rental.
 

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age