TrailerWatch: Burn After Reading

For all the people who aren’t too keen on math, here’s a formula you might enjoy:

NCFOM–(AC+JB+$2M)+(JM+BP+FBI)+FM+DO+JJJ = BAR

Confused? Let me explain.

Take last year’s No Country for Old Men.

Subtract the simultaneously psychotic and oddly charismatic Anton Chigurh (played by now-Oscar winner Javier Bardem). Add seemingly-inept John Malkovich.

Subtract the vacant-expressioned Josh Brolin and add a whiny, foul-mouthed Brad Pitt.

Subtract the $2 million satchel of drug money and add secret FBI files.

Add Frances McDormand (also referred to as Marge Grunderson [from Fargo] and Mrs. Joel Coen).

Add Danny Ocean.

Add a subdued, yet equally quirky J. Jonah Jameson.

All this, of course, results in the new Coen Brothers film, Burn After Reading.

At least that’s what it seems like from the plot synopsis and cast list.

The trailer itself tells a slightly different story (Careful, it's a Redband one). Last year's Best Picture winner was almost completely devoid of humor, except the warped twisted kind that seemed to follow Chigurh around. This offering seems to focus on the black, as well, but in a decidedly more lighthearted way. I can't decide if Pitt will be endearing or annoying, but that phone call scene with Malkovich should be pretty entertaining. And above all, it should be very Coenesque.

I don't know if anything could be more unconventionally terrifying than Chigurh's air-powered cattle gun, but an axe-wielding Malkovich might come close.

I love the ensemble cast. J. K. Simmons always turns in a quality performance. Clooney and Swinton (in staying with the recent Oscar winners theme) are solid actors, but their characters don't offer many clues from the trailer, and I have a feeling that their storyline may bog down the overall plot.

But, who knows for sure? We'll have to wait until September 12th.

The first song from the trailer, by the way, is pretty solid. It's "Grounds for Divorce" by Elbow. The second one is more classic: "I Got a Line on You" by '60s rock band Spirit.