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Frances McDormand is a scene stealer in "Burn After Reading"

Trish Bendix

You might have heard about how funny Brad Pitt is in his new film, Burn After Reading; or perhaps you've seen coverage of George Clooney gracing the red carpet for the movie's premiere. It's the same old song and dance in the press (is this Ocean's 14?), but the real reason to see the new Coen Brothers film is its two female stars: Tilda Swinton and Frances McDormand.

We've given a lot of credit to Swinton on the blog in the past, but McDormand (in general) gets overlooked a lot. Some might say she's not your typical leading lady, but she is a character actress that steals every scene, which is why she's an Academy Award winner (nominated three times total) but more remarkably, she's constantly chosen roles that are challenging over those that might be more attractive. From her parts in Raising Arizona to Fargo to North Country, she's the secret weapon of any movie she co-stars in.

In Burn After Reading(which opens this Friday), McDormand plays Linda Litzke, a disgruntled employee at a gym called Hardbodies. She desperately wants to have plastic surgery and is an avid internet dater. Alongside Pitt, early reviews have praised the duo's comedic timing, and from the description of the character, it sounds like McDormand can really nail it. (She always does.)

I would be remiss not to mention McDormand's ultimate scene steal in Laurel Canyon, though. It's a little too racy to post on AfterEllen.com, but I'd suggest watching a clip if you are a fan of McDormand, Beckinsale or kissing in general.

Will you see Burn After Reading?

Trish Bendix's blog

Submitted by

Trish Bendix

on September 9, 2008 - 9:00am.

TAGS ::

Don't forget the amazing job

Submitted by

Ahhh_Cool (45 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 9:38am.

Don't forget the amazing job she did as the mom in Almost Famous (aka the best movie ever made)!!!

I love Almost Famous

Submitted by

Cat (76 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 10:11am.

"Rock stars have kidnapped my son"

Just waiting for the movie!

Submitted by

the wanderer (16 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 9:42am.

one of the most wanted films for me this year!

-- bits and pieces, carrying all the wishes

McDormand

Submitted by

mossy (95 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 9:58am.

I'm really excited about this film. I'm a huge McDormand fan and then to match her up with Clooney and Pitt seems like a great recipe for success!

Yes!!!

Submitted by

867-5309 (134 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 12:18pm.

I will see anything the Coen Brothers do.

And since Frances is married to Joel Coen as an added bonus we get to see her in a lot of their films!

agreed!!

Submitted by

alex (471 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 2:57pm.

frances mcdormand is one of my favorite actresses. great comedic timing, totally smart, and she pretty much steals every scene she's ever been in.

cant wait to see this.

oh and laurel canyon? awesome. mcdormand + beckinsale = pretty darn sexy.

I'll Definitely See It

Submitted by

RedReeder (31 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 3:22pm.

Clearly this movie has a lot going for it, but Swinton and McDormand are the icing on the cake! I've been a fan of McDormand's and the brothers, since the early Coen's "Blood Simple." She's a rock solid artist, and you're so right. She did indeed hit one out of the park in "Laurel Canyon!" Plus, Tilda is so on fire right now (actually when is she not...), she cannot miss. I'm totally psyched!

Edge of my seat!

Submitted by

FilmGrrl (105 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 4:39pm.

I can't wait for this film. I'm there Friday night with popcorn in hand.

McDormand is my primary reason for seeing this with Tilda coming in a close second. I believe both women are scene stealers, but McDormand has a knack for comedy (see Fargo). You have to admire an actress who opts for the gritty, offbeat roles over the 'gimmes'. I will continue to seek out McDormand films, and I like that she pops up in places you least expect. We always end up pleasantly surprised. I know she'll knock it outta the park in this film and can't wait to enjoy the ride.

Kate Beckinsale...

Submitted by

soydog (29 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 5:12pm.

To think that I have feverently been following Kate Beckinsale since I first saw her in Underworld, and to have missed the one film where she actually kisses a girl? I'm ashamed of myself.

I'm definitely seeing Burn After Reading though; Frances McDormand was fantastic in North Country.

One of My Faves...

Submitted by

ClassicChic (59 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 5:29pm.

I've been a huge fan of hers for a while now so i'll definitely be seeing this. It looks funny and I'm interested to see Brad in this type of role...It better not be ANYTHING like The Mexican though...One of the worst movies ever!!!

The only movie I have been psyched for all summer

Submitted by

schedulinggoddess (50 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 5:57pm.

McDormand is an amazing actress and the Coen Brothers continue to provide us with quality entertainment. Here's hoping she will get that long overdue Oscar. We all need to support films that feature strong female characters. A must see with Tilda Swinton as an added bonus.

Can't wait!

Submitted by

Marlow (126 posts)

on September 9, 2008 - 6:06pm.

I've been wanting to see Burn After Reading for aaages but it's not out in the UK until October! McDormand was brilliant in Fargo and appearing alongside Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich in a COEN BROTHERS FILM is almost too good to be true. Damn, I can't wait. The trailer is one of the best I've seen so hopefully the film can live up to it.