"Report back to me when it makes sense."

[lagilman]

Caught "Burn After Reading" last night, and was awestruck. If one single thing had not worked perfectly, the entire movie would have fallen apart. But everything did -- the script, the actors, the direction, even the cinematography. Dark humor, yeah (although it really switches into gear in the last third) but the entire audience was letting out gasps of delighted/horrified laughter the entire showing. I described it to someone as "Mamet meets classic Woody Allen," even more than being a Coen Brothers film (although, really, in many way that is sort of the definition of a Coen Brothers film...)

I don't think there was a single off note in the entire thing.

And yes, I am shallow enough to spend much of the movie thinking "Clooney's hot even when he's playing a sex-sleazed idiot...."


And now I face the rest of my to-do list. Bleargh.

Comments

[bosswriter.livejournal.com]

Speaking of the Coen brothers, we watched Fargo last night and - wow! I forgot how good that movie is. Watching William H. Macy as the bumbling conspirator is a truly amazing experience. Fun, dark humor and insight into the Upper Midwest culture.

We may have to get out and see Burn before it leaves the theater.

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

Should I make an attempt to see it in the theatre? I loved Big Lebowski & O Brother, but I found Fargo unwatchable, for reference. :)

[lagilman]

I'd say yes. And not just for Clooney's backside. This is dark but fast-paced and funny-sad and witty without being nasty (and the line in the header is worth the price of admission alone)

[julia-sevin.livejournal.com]

You've got me re-excited about it. I love everything I've seen by them but the comedy angle worried me slightly and some others have said that the film puts a lot of weight on some kind of uncharacteristic contrivance, or like it's a too-simple story stretched out for too long.

Personally, I don't see how I COULDN'T enjoy it. Thanks for the reminder.

[lagilman]

a too-simple story stretched out for too long.

I could see how some people might complain of that, because it is one story stretched to absurd lengths.. but there's nothing simple about the story construction at all, and that was part of what I loved about it -- every detail is so carefully and perfectly placed to result in the next absurd and yet painfully inevitable disaster, and yet it's not slapstick or forced at all.

[arouraleona.livejournal.com]

::sigh:: I do so love Mamet.

[debg.livejournal.com]

Nic's opinion of the movie is identical to yours. He wants to drag me off to see it.

[lagilman]

You'll either love it, or be really pissed that we were stupid enough to like it. I have no idea which.

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

I saw it with Nic, then took a friend who is critical of movies. She was amazed at the delicate perfectness of it. The casting is wonderful. John Malkovich, Clooney, Brad Pitt and the Ipod. Everyone. Just right for the part.

It is not, however, everyone's cuppa. People do die.

[handlebar605.livejournal.com]

isn't Brad Pitt playing an air headed aerobics type instructor in the movie?