Burn After Reading is a dark comedy film written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, and Tilda Swinton.
The story begins with Osborne Cox (played by Malkovich), a disgruntled CIA analyst who quits his job and decides to write his memoirs. However, when his wife Katie (played by Swinton) files for divorce and takes away his financial support, Cox becomes increasingly despondent.
Meanwhile, Linda Litzke (played by McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (played by Pitt) work at a fitness center and come across Cox's disc, thinking it contains classified CIA information. They approach Cox with a blackmail scheme, which ultimately leads to a string of chaotic events involving the CIA, Russian intelligence, and the personal lives of the characters.
Throughout the film, the Coen brothers skewer the bureaucracy of government agencies, the vanity of plastic surgery, and the absurdity of human behavior. The film received positive reviews for its dark humor, intricate plot, and strong performances, earning four Academy Award nominations.