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Burn After Reading (2008) 7.0
Ratings:
7.0/10 from 167,839 users
Metascore: 63/100
Reviews: 518 user | 320 critic | 37 from Metacritic.com A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it. |
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Title: Burn After Reading (2008)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| George Clooney | ... | ||
| Frances McDormand | ... | ||
| Brad Pitt | ... | ||
| John Malkovich | ... | ||
| Tilda Swinton | ... | ||
| Richard Jenkins | ... | ||
| Elizabeth Marvel | ... | ||
| David Rasche | ... | ||
| J.K. Simmons | ... |
CIA Superior
(as JK Simmons)
|
|
| Olek Krupa | ... | ||
| Michael Countryman | ... | ||
| Kevin Sussman | ... | ||
 |
J.R. Horne | ... |
Divorce Lawyer
(as JR Horne)
|
| Hamilton Clancy | ... | ||
| Armand Schultz | ... | ||
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Osbourne Cox, a Balkan expert, is fired at the CIA, so he begins a memoir. His wife wants a divorce and expects her lover, Harry, a philandering State Department marshal, to leave his wife. A diskette falls out of a gym bag at a Georgetown fitness center. Two employees there try to turn it into cash: Linda, who wants money for elective surgery, and Chad, an amiable goof. Information on the disc leads them to Osbourne who rejects their sales pitch; then they visit the Russian embassy. To sweeten the pot, they decide they need more of Osbourne's secrets. Meanwhile, Linda's boss likes her, and Harry's wife leaves for a book tour. All roads lead to Osbourne's house. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Taglines:
Intelligence is only their job. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and violence | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
12 September 2008 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Quémese después de leerse See more »Filming Locations:
Bronx Community College - University Avenue at West 181 Street, Bronx, New York City, New York, USA See more »Box Office
Budget:
$37,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£2,045,565 (UK) (17 October 2008)Gross:
$60,338,891 (USA) (19 December 2008)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Harry Pfarrer: What?
Katie Cox: For the salad?
Harry Pfarrer: You know you really are a negative person.
Katie Cox: What?
Harry Pfarrer: Yeah. I've tried to ignore it. To remain upbeat. You just can't help dragging everything down.
Katie Cox: Harry, stop the foolishness and behave. You're not talking to one of your *shithole* buddies.
See more »
(2008)
Written by Taryn Murphy and Chris Landon
Performed by Taryn Murphy
Courtesy of Getty Images
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Frances McDormand's wig was inspired by those that couldn't be seen around Washington during the Monica Lewinsky affair. See more »Goofs
In the final scene with Linda, in which she's being picked up by the CIA, an agent pulls alongside her on the right. In the second shot depicting him, the car is in the same spot, in a traffic lane (not parked), but the shifter is in the Park position. See more »Quotes
Katie Cox: Do you think that's enough carrots?Harry Pfarrer: What?
Katie Cox: For the salad?
Harry Pfarrer: You know you really are a negative person.
Katie Cox: What?
Harry Pfarrer: Yeah. I've tried to ignore it. To remain upbeat. You just can't help dragging everything down.
Katie Cox: Harry, stop the foolishness and behave. You're not talking to one of your *shithole* buddies.
See more »
Crazy Credits
Cort Hessler's name appears twice. He was a Stunt Driver on the film. See more »Soundtracks
"On The Floor"(2008)
Written by Taryn Murphy and Chris Landon
Performed by Taryn Murphy
Courtesy of Getty Images
See more »
Nobody is quite there in this new bright farce by the Coen brothers. The plot is a smart excuse for a movie about nothing but appearing to be about a lot of things. Going backwards and forwards at the same time. Talk about "The Russians?" or planning to write a memoir. Brad Pitt is priceless and the innocence of his character is so believable that I wondered how many more surprises this actor has up his sleeve. He is a joy. George Clooney is also terrific and the Coens move through their crossed purposes with speed and elegance. I was totally immerse in their universe even if I didn't quite care what was going on. John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins and the unnerving Tilda Swinton complete the package of this movie that feels as if it was made for the sheer pleasure of it.