:: IFFK 2008 ::

We've seen much of their magic. They did many different things with their films. Exposed us to many different aspects of life. We were wondering what it would be like in 2008 to know what they have to say. The title Burn After Reading was appealing. The name did suggest a deep content.

We entered a picture hall named "Dhanya." The mention of the picture hall is just to let you know that the picture was projected in the wrong aspect ratio: the microphones and other projection equipments visible on the screen. It disappointed us at the beginning.

But as the movie picked up its pace, from a view of Earth from space to the CIA building, it got interesting. The plot revolves around Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) being kicked from office, his wife, Katie Cox (Tilda Swinton) having a strange affair with a married man, Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney) , gym assistant Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) who needs facelift surgeries, her weird and naïve colleague, Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt).

It starts like a typical Hollywood CIA thriller. It moves in that pace for a while, with deeply moving music almost of a classical genre and intense shots. As the storyline shifts to the desperate and lonely Linda, it suddenly has an underlying comedy layer to it. And when Chad enters, the movie completely assumes the mood of a spoof.

When Linda sits with Harry on the park bench and he suddenly feels that she is a CIA agent, the moment brings in the absolute absurdity of all the misdeeds and misunderstandings. The camera moves around with Harry frantically when he imagines everyone in the park is spying on him. Later this happens to Linda too. She feels she’s the one being spied on, after Harry leaves. CIA, NSA, it's created so much false fear around you.

The use of music in the film is very special. It contradicts the situations at many moments, which I found very pleasant. This contradiction adds a lot to the comic element of the film.

This movie is completely different from the movies that were done by the Coen brothers. Absolutely surprising.