Burn After Reading is entirely driven by the characters. The characters' lives become intertwined and inseparable. There is not one aspect of the plot that is not caused directly by the characters. They are often propelled by their own misunderstanding, stupidity and misconceptions. Their decisions are brightly colored by their own foolishness, misgivings, mischief and treachery. If pressure was exerted on one character, the rest felt the squish. If one character thought there was pressure but there was none, they all got squished anyways. Misunderstandings often become truth; truths step aside and allow misunderstandings to take root.

In the beginning, the exaggerated nature of the characters' personalities makes no sense but as Burn After Reading progresses, their idiosyncrasies begin to make more sense. All of the actors do a great job of making this bazaar bunch of characters seem plausible. George Clooney makes Harry's hyper-sexual nature funny, not sad or creepy. Chad is muy cuddleable because Brad Pittimparts in him a sweet can-do presence. Linda is tolerable because Frances McDormand makes her just a little bit sad, not just vain or greedy. Tilda Swinton commits fully to making Katie a chilly ball breaker. John Malkovich gives Osborne Cox a pathetic undertone while still making his outbursts of anger both humorous and appropriate. Purple triangle, debuting in Burn After Reading, is a great example of a character with no lines being able to steal the show through laughter.

Directors Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, made a lot of great cinematography decisions make Burn After Reading feel like a spy movie. The CIA office and other official espionage offices are sterile looking. There are a few, well placed, scenes of scuttling feet, clink clanking quickly to their destination.

A bit of patience pays off for the viewers of Burn After Reading. Strong acting, fantastic writing and crisp visuals make Burn After Reading worth a bit of getting-to-know-you time.