Fresh off the Academy Award win of Best Picture for No Country for Old Men, Joel and Ethan Coen released the black comedy, Burn After Reading, in 2008. Joel and Ethan Coen also produced and provided the screenplay. The film stars John Malkovich,
George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand,
Brad Pitt, and J. K. Simmons. The movie premiered on August 27, 2008 at the Venice Film Festival. Burn After Reading had a budget of $37 million and grossed $142.1 million at the box office. The film was released to generally positive reviews. Burn After Reading debuted at the top spot upon its release. The film was distributed by Focus Features.
