So in the midst of studying for my Theology Exam tomorrow, I decided to write some thoughts about a sub-par movie I saw recently by the Coen brothers, Burn After Reading. The movie was somewhat funny and grotesquely (and therefore needlessly) violent - I don't necessarily recommend it. But I did want to share some thoughts about it in case you have or will see it.
I think the Coen brothers are trying to portray what happens to people when they are too focused on themselves:
- Former CIA agent Cox (Malcovich) is too focused on his book and lamenting his forced retirement;
- His wife just wants a divorce to save herself and can't see her suitor (Clooney) doesn't want her;
- Clooney's character just cares about a one-night stand and staying in shape, not caring/realizing that his actions may ruin his marriage;
- McFarland's character only wants plastic surgery, and can't see that her boss loves her.
And then they pay people to spy on each other, since no one trusts anyone else! People are pawns to be used for an end. Those people who are relatively innocent (Pitt and the boss) end up dead. it's funny and tragic all at the same time, and ultimately the viewer is repulsed by such insolent, petulant, myopic behavior.
So is this film a social commentary on our society today? The Coens seem to be saying national security agencies can't save us, especially when they're spying on people too unwilling to be in trusting relationships. Let us hope we can build better communities and treat people as an end, rather than a means, unto themselves.
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