The Coen Brothers’ latest is a black comedic delight that had the critics present at the press screening in stitches.  BURN AFTER READING begins with CIA agent John Malkovich getting the can for his drinking problem.

So, he retreats to his drink and writing of his operations memoirs that somehow (the CD) land in the hands of Hardbodies Gym trainers Brad Pitt (playing a blonde bimbo) and Frances McDormand.  They decide to blackmail the already pissed off ex-CIA agent whose wife Tilda Swinton is having an affair with George Clooney who is dumping her for a new date who happens to be McDormand.  Everyone is sleeping with someone who is related to someone else.  Oddly enough, the only ‘moral’ person is the sexually ambiguous Pitt.  All these proceedings appear ridiculous and they are – but the Coen Brothers, expert stagers of elaborate long takes often with bouts of wicked humour have crafted another winner.  Aided by inspired performances by a near perfect cast, especially Pitt and Malkovich’s, BURN AFTER READING is the Coen Brothers at their peak.