Burn After Reading
“Intelligence is relative.”
Synopsis
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2008-06-26
Top Cast
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George Clooney
Harry Pfarrer
Frances McDormand
Linda Litzke
Brad Pitt
Chad Feldheimer
John Malkovich
Osborne Cox
Tilda Swinton
Katie Cox
Richard Jenkins
Ted
Elizabeth Marvel
Sandy Pfarrer
David Rasche
CIA Officer
J.K. Simmons
CIA Superior
Olek Krupa
Krapotkin
Michael Countryman
Alan
Kevin Sussman
Tuchman Marsh Man
J.R. Horne
Divorce Lawyer
Hamilton Clancy
Peck
Armand Schultz
Olson
Pun Bandhu
Party Guest
Karla Mosley
Party Guest
Jeffrey DeMunn
Cosmetic Surgeon
Release History & Theatrical Window
Venice International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 12, 2008
Wide Cinema Exhibition
June 10, 2009
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$37M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$163.7M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
4.42x
+$126.7M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
- Screenplay & Story
- Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Original Score
- Carter Burwell
- Original Title
- Burn After Reading
- Country of Origin
- United States of America, United Kingdom, France
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Production Budget
- $37M
- Worldwide Gross
- $163.7M
- Production Studios
- Focus Features, StudioCanal, Relativity Media, Working Title, Mike Zoss Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Carter Burwell
Emmanuel Lubezki
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Joel Coen, Robert Graf, Ethan Coen, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan
Department Leadership Roster
Joel Coen
Producer
Ethan Coen
Editor
Ethan Coen
Director
Joel Coen
Director
Emmanuel Lubezki
Director of Photography
Ethan Coen
Producer
Joel Coen
Editor
Carter Burwell
Original Music Composer
Jess Gonchor
Production Design
Mary Zophres
Costume Design
Randall Balsmeyer
Visual Effects Supervisor
Joel Coen
Writer
Ethan Coen
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Burn After Reading.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Burn After Reading
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Burn After Reading about?
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
Who directed Burn After Reading?
Burn After Reading was directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen.
Who stars in Burn After Reading?
The principal cast of Burn After Reading includes George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton.
When was Burn After Reading released and how long is it?
Burn After Reading was released in 2008 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
What was the box office and production budget of Burn After Reading?
Burn After Reading had a reported production budget of $37M and grossed $163.7M at the worldwide box office (4.42 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Burn After Reading?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Burn After Reading was composed by Carter Burwell.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Burn After Reading?
Burn After Reading holds official age classifications: AU: MA 15+; DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).