“Burn After Reading” (2008) (Capsule Review)

True satire is a rare and wonderful thing.  With “Burn After Reading” the Coen brothers deliver up a bitter, satirical account of George Bush’s America that’s every bit as good as last year’s “No Country for Old Men”.  From John Malkovich’s drunken ex-CIA analyst to Frances McDormand’s plastic surgery obsessed, internet date slut to Brad Pitt’s bubble headed gym instructor to Tilda Swinton’s brittle, materialist bitch every character is shallow, self-serving and ignorant.  The Coens treat them with the contempt they deserve, parodying the espionage thriller whilst critiquing the wider culture.  Fans of 80s tv should keep an eye out for Sledge Hammer; fans of filth should enjoy the funniest dildo joke this century.