Brüno

[Saya]

http://i36.tinypic.com/2co0e8z.jpg

Sascha Baron Cohen's (Ali G / Borat ) new film. Full title: Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt.

Bruno is easily my least favorite Cohen character, but I though this prank for his new movie was pretty funny.


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Crowds in Arkansas came for the lure of cage fighting and $1 beer, but police say what they got instead was men ripping each others' clothes off and kissing _ a stunt suspected of being orchestrated by Sacha Baron Cohen of "Borat" fame.

"We had a contract for cage fighting. We were deceived," said Dwight Duncan, president and CEO of Four States Fair Grounds in Texarkana, where the first of two Arkansas fights raised suspicions last month.

Matt Labov, a Los Angeles-based publicist for Baron Cohen, said he had no comment Monday about the faked fights. One of Baron Cohen's movies is due out next year.

The day after the June 5 Texarkana bout, Fort Smith's convention center hosted "Blue Collar Brawlin.'" Fort Smith police Sgt. Adam Holland said organizers told him a character named "Straight Dave" would goad a planted audience member into the ring for a fight.

The two men would then wrestle, rip away some of their clothes and share a brief kiss reminiscent of one between Baron Cohen and Will Ferrell in the film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."

Producers said "there would be a romantic embrace," Holland said. "They said it was kind of to essentially make fun, poke fun at wrestling _ two guys rolling around on the floor, all sweaty."

An elaborate array of mounted and handheld video cameras caught the crowd of 1,600's reaction as the two men "went right up to the line" of the city's morality laws, Holland said. The two men stripped down to their underwear, kissed and rubbed on each other, the sergeant said.

The audience, as well as local fighters drawn to take part in the show, became enraged. "It set the crowd off lobbing beers," Holland said. "They had beers in plastic cups. Those things can get some distance on them actually."

Holland said it took officers about 45 minutes to clear the convention center, as the two actors sprinted away through a specially set-aside tunnel.

Those in attendance were told by several signs on display that they'd be filmed, Holland said, and signed waivers before the event. Convention center sales director Karin Hobbs declined to name the event's sponsor Monday.

Baron Cohen became a national celebrity after his 2006 hit movie "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," in which he played a bumbling reporter from the Central Asia nation.

News of the faked cage fights comes as Baron Cohen is in production of a movie titled "Bruno," named after the gay Austrian fashion reporter he developed for "Da Ali G Show." Baron Cohen, in the guise of Bruno, often interviewed hapless subjects in the South.

If the cage match visits came from Baron Cohen, it wouldn't be the first time Arkansas fell for a practical joke. In 2000, then-Gov. Mike Huckabee fell for a prank and congratulated Canada for preserving its icebound Parliament, calling it a "national igloo."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/08/arkansas-cage-fight-turns_n_111425.html

[Ivan Drago]

I'll probably see this movie, but the ridiculously long title was funny the first time - Borat. Now it's just pretentious.

[Dukefrukem]

so funny the stunt he pulled... i haven't been this excited for a movie since Pick of Destiny

[Pop Trash]

I'm fucking stoked. Borat was alternately one of the smartest and funniest films of the last few years.

[number8]

This movie is going to be absolutely amazing.
(http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/2009-3-16-sxsw-day-three-bruno-sneak-preview.html)

[Spinal]

This movie is going to be absolutely amazing.
(http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/2009-3-16-sxsw-day-three-bruno-sneak-preview.html)

:eek:

[Wryan]

God in heaven. Sounds awesome, and I hope it embarasses the everliving shit out of anyone shown on camera for who they really are.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I stopped reading after the talk show bit because I don't want to spoil the surprises. Needless to say, I have very high hopes for this.

[Sycophant]

Looking forward to the Ron Paul (http://wonkette.com/407034/sacha-baron-cohen-tries-to-have-gay-sex-with-ron-paul-in-new-movie) bit.

[Watashi]

Looking forward to the Ron Paul (http://wonkette.com/407034/sacha-baron-cohen-tries-to-have-gay-sex-with-ron-paul-in-new-movie) bit.
Barty will hate this movie now.

[Barty]

Looking forward to the Ron Paul (http://wonkette.com/407034/sacha-baron-cohen-tries-to-have-gay-sex-with-ron-paul-in-new-movie) bit.

Well reading that, doesn't that just reinforce the incorrect stereotype that homosexuals are in your face perverts?

[Sycophant]

This movie got an NC-17 (http://gawker.com/5190544/bruno-too-gay-for-mpaa?skyline=true&s=i). Going for a recut and an appeal.

[Ezee E]

I've been thinking about this, and I wonder if this approach will have the same reaction as movies that are "anti-war."

Anti-war movies try to show that war is bad, but generally, the best moments are the moments of violence.

Here, it's a comedy that I'm guessing will try to be pro-gay, but the best parts of the movie will be the ones that use either gross or stereotypes to their advantage.

[DavidSeven]

I think the comedy is going to come out of exposing the ignorance of people and how foolish they look when expressing their narrow viewpoints. My guess is that this film is centered on an anti-close-minded stance rather than a pro-gay stance. Baron Cohen seems to do this kind of thing very effectively.

[NickGlass]

I think the comedy is going to come out of exposing the ignorance of people and how foolish they look when expressing their narrow viewpoints.

You mean people like the members of the MPAA?

[Watashi]

Red Band Trailer (http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/04/02/bruno-red-band-movie-trailer/#more-23883)

[Amnesiac]

Looks alright.

[Qrazy]

Gayby FTW.

[Dukefrukem]

bwhahahahahah "we're looking for a locksmith"

"you aint lookin' for shit get outta here!"

[Ezee E]

Looks just as funny as Borat did.

Although I loved the opening bit of Borat in Kazahkstan. I doubt that can happen here.

[Morris Schæffer]

Oh God, I must see this. :lol:

But clarfiy this again for me guys. Are the folks Cohen interacts with really unaware of this being an act for a movie?

Some friends came up to me and said that it's all fake, that it couldn't possibly be real. That everyone is in on the act and I said No! That's why the comedy is so piercing, so revolutionary. This was concerning Borat obviously.

So what's the deal?

[Dukefrukem]

Oh God, I must see this. :lol:

But clarfiy this again for me guys. Are the folks Cohen interacts with really unaware of this being an act for a movie?

Some friends came up to me and said that it's all fake, that it couldn't possibly be real. That everyone is in on the act and I said No! That's why the comedy is so piercing, so revolutionary. This was concerning Borat obviously.

So what's the deal?

It would be hard not to know what's going on, but there are a lot of stupid people out there and a lot of stupid people who don't watch movies/tv as much as us.

[number8]

They know they're being filmed for a documentary/TV program, but no, they don't know that he's a comedian putting them on for a movie.

There was an article on The Smoking Gun a couple of weeks ago about how Sacha Baron Cohen's production company go to elaborate lengths to set up about 30 shell companies (each with their own convincing logos and websites) to use when tricking these people. The shit they get up to are arguably illegal.

Your friend must've missed all the people suing him months after Borat's release.

[Robby P]

In Cohen's defense, his legal team required all participants to sign release forms prior to filming absolving the crew of all subsequent fraud or defamation liabilities. In Borat, he also included a disclaimer noting that all depicted characters were fictional and no person involved necessarily endorsed the movie's contents.

Granted, the legality gets muddled a bit when one considers that Cohen's company is often representing itself falsely, thus challenging the legitimacy of the waiver forms, but thus far I don't know of any successful suits brought forth by the several plaintiffs involved.

Bottom line, if you're stupid enough to fall for his trap, you probably deserve to be exposed for what you truly are. My sympathies for most of these people are very limited, legal ambiguities notwithstanding.

[Wryan]

Bottom line, if you're stupid enough to fall for his trap, you probably deserve to be exposed for what you truly are. My sympathies for most of these people are very limited, legal ambiguities notwithstanding.

That's my position as well.

[megladon8]

Full trailer. (http://movies.apple.com/movies/universal/bruno/bruno-tlr_480p.mov)


Was that Bush???

[Spinal]

I'm not sure who that was, but it wasn't Bush.

[Ezee E]

I think its Ron Paul.

[Milky Joe]

Yeah that was Ron Paul.

I gotta say this movie looks significantly less than what I would call "funny." Bruno is easily Cohen's worst character.

[Dukefrukem]

how did they do that scene on the motor bike? that has to be scripted.

[chrisnu]

"Gayby" t-shirt FTW

[Spinal]

Gayby? What's a gayby? (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7ms8e_saturday-night-live-plug-away-with_fun)

[chrisnu]

Gayby? What's a gayby? (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7ms8e_saturday-night-live-plug-away-with_fun)
Wow, Kathleen Turner.

[number8]

Ethics debate time. Last night at the Bruno premiere, they cut out a scene with LaToya Jackson, obviously due to MJ's death.

We don't know if it's going to be cut out of the release version too or not. The scene is Bruno cornering LaToya and asking stupid questions about Michael.

Should they keep it? I think they should keep it.

[Amnesiac]

I think they should keep it.

Why?

[number8]

Why?

It might be humorous.

[D_Davis]

Seems like a totally arbitrary line to draw. THAT is what the filmmakers think might offend? I thought the whole point of Borat/Bruno was to offend?

[Dead & Messed Up]

Ethics debate time. Last night at the Bruno premiere, they cut out a scene with LaToya Jackson, obviously due to MJ's death.

We don't know if it's going to be cut out of the release version too or not. The scene is Bruno cornering LaToya and asking stupid questions about Michael.

Should they keep it? I think they should keep it.

Jackson, as an adult, slept with young boys. Keep it.

[Raiders]

The character, and Cohen, are going after certain kinds of people and offenses, no? Seems like the Jackson issue would just distract and cause an unwanted kind of offense. Seems something likely better suited as a DVD extra as opposed to releasing in theatres less than two weeks after MJ's death. Bruno, in all his glory, inquiring about a public freak to a family member would likely play out humorously because that's the Michael everyone would be thinking about. Now, everyone is thinking about the 1980s Michael Jackson, and the joke would probably both a) fall flat and b) distract from what is likely an otherwise worthy gag.

[Dukefrukem]

Keep it.

[Ezee E]

Sure, he's mean, but going to LaToya seems out of line whether MJ is dead or not. Its basically going up to a family member and pointing out how retarded your sibling is. Not cool.

[Sycophant]

Raiders makes a good case for keeping it out, at least for the time being. Like the Osama bin Laden Family Guy gag. Wouldn't really be a big deal now, but between October 2001 and 2004 with things as fresh as they were, it felt relevant in the wrong way.

[Spinal]

Agree with Raiders word for word. It's not just about offense. The emphasis of the joke has shifted and it's not going to play the same way.

[Bosco B Thug]

Yeah, the producers are probably just being smart. The general public aren't gonna be happy to see this scene now that they want to honor Jackson again.

Not to mention I'm not sure how ridiculing Jackson is a positive contribution to this film's nature as an anti-homophobia treatise. I guess it's not necessarily a negative contribution (perhaps Bruno's going to be pointing out distinctions between their public images...), but I had similar qualms with Borat, I think.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Yeah, the producers are probably just being smart. The general public aren't gonna be happy to see this scene now that they want to honor Jackson again.

Not to mention I'm not sure how ridiculing Jackson is a positive contribution to this film's nature as an anti-homophobia treatise. I had similar qualms with Borat, I think.

The word "treatise" overestimates the film's refinement. This thing looks like a shotgun blast, not a rifle shot.

[Qrazy]

It doesn't seem like an overly relevant plot point anyway.

[KK2.0]

I'm also with Raiders, but it just makes watching the unrated DVD more tempting, even if it's going to be a rerun of the 'Triumph at the Michael Jackson Trial' sketch

[Bosco B Thug]

The word "treatise" overestimates the film's refinement. This thing looks like a shotgun blast, not a rifle shot. Oh, certainly.

[MacGuffin]

You could probably take any single scene out of Bruno and the movie would still have the same affect. So you're probably thinking, 'Why not just keep it a TV show? Why make it a movie?' and I'll respond, 'I don't know.'

[Qrazy]

You could probably take any single scene out of Bruno and the movie would still have the same affect. So you're probably thinking, 'Why not just keep it a TV show? Why make it a movie?' and I'll respond, 'I don't know.'

I dunno, Borat had a few major plot points. There is an arc there. I think Bruno will be similar.

[Grouchy]

Eh, I think they should keep it. I find it hypocritical that the same people who have been attacking and making fun of Wacko Jacko for the past few years are gonna get uncomfortable at this just because he died.

[MadMan]

Eh, I think they should keep it. I find it hypocritical that the same people who have been attacking and making fun of Wacko Jacko for the past few years are gonna get uncomfortable at this just because he died.This. Sure I'm hailing his past career as a successful pop singer who gave us Thriller, but I'm not going to ignore the fact that over the past 15 years he became a complete weirdo. Plus the whole two trials for child molestation to boot.

And I don't know if this movie will end up being funny or not, but then I remind myself that I didn't bother to see Borat until it hit DVD and I hailed it as one of the best comedies of the decade.

[Qrazy]

Whether it should stay in the movie or not (because such an edit could potentially be expensive and maybe disrupt the flow of the content) is certainly up for debate... whether the loss outweighs the gain or vice versa. But I don't think it's unreasonable to declare a temporary moratorium on brutal jokes about celebrities just after they've died. Yeah they have a public image but they were also people and have grieving families. I think it's in bad form to skewer MJ right now just as it would be bad form to poke Polanski or Allen for molestation on their deathbeds. There is no set figure but I'd say give it a few months at least. Once they're dead it's probably not all that funny or topical anymore anyway. Still, once a decent length of time has passed than it's fair game again.

[B-side]

I don't wanna get into this again, but why are so many people so intent on devaluing him due to these child molestation charges? We don't know if he did it or not, nor does that matter. Keeping the jokes out is both tasteful and mature.

[Grouchy]

I don't wanna get into this again, but why are so many people so intent on devaluing him due to these child molestation charges? We don't know if he did it or not, nor does that matter. Keeping the jokes out is both tasteful and mature.
Typical American show business stuff. They love to turn their celebs into Gods and then stone them into shame.

[number8]

Read spoilers on the scene. I changed my mind. I guess it is better cut out.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Typical American show business stuff. They love to turn their celebs into Gods and then stone them into shame.

What an insightful observation.

[MacGuffin]

What an insightful observation.

Well, yeah, it is.

[lovejuice]

Read spoilers on the scene. I changed my mind. I guess it is better cut out.
so it's not humorous?

[number8]

so it's not humorous?

Well, it wouldn't even make sense anymore now that he's dead.

The scene is that Bruno runs into LaToya and, wanting to meet MJ, hounds her on introducing him to Michael. When she refuses, Bruno asks to see her phone. He flips through her contacts, goes "Aha! Michael!" and starts reading a phone number, which Bruno's assistant starts writing down. That's it.

[MadMan]

Well, yeah, it is.I agree.

And also number8 is correct about the scene no longer making any sense. Plus after reading that spoiler, the scene in question wouldn't have been funny if MJ was still alive, anyways.

[trotchky]

What an insightful observation.

It might not be original but that doesn't change its truth.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I don't wanna get into this again, but why are so many people so intent on devaluing him due to these child molestation charges? We don't know if he did it or not, nor does that matter. Keeping the jokes out is both tasteful and mature.

Well. I certainly don't agree with this.

[Dead & Messed Up]

It might not be original but that doesn't change its truth.


Typical* American* show business* stuff. They* love to turn their celebs into Gods and then stone* them into shame.*

*What does "typical" refer to? The number of celebs who've been attacked by the media/public? How does that compare to the total number of celebrities in America at any given time?

*How does American tabloid sensationalism compare to the UK, India, or other countries where popular culture is so pervasive? Is it uncommon in those countries to report on situations like, say, an adult superstar having sleepovers with young boys?

*By show business, are we referring to the studios that output such celebrities or the other arm of media that utilizes and exploits the more unseemingly side of things? Are these two branches related? Is it in a studio or agency's interest to vilify or sensationalize their subjects?

*Does "they" here refer to the public or the tabloids or the studios? All three? How much overlap is there?

*Stoning implies righteous indignation. Does that term apply to all the fallen stars who've proven newsworthy? Is the emotional response to such stories a sense of superiority or morbid curiosity? Or sympathetic interest? Is it possible that more than one (or a combination thereof) can result?

*Is shame the goal of sensationalism? Is it important to the public that stars be shamed for their sins? What of the countless "comeback" stars? Is the public merely waiting for another slipup, breath baited and heaving?

[Grouchy]

Huh, dude, I'm not an expert on tabloids or media and I don't have any interest in writing an essay about it. All the questions you just asked there would be very useful for this hypothetical essay, but I ain't writing it.

Here's a game for you. Enter the article for the biggest American celebrities you can think of on Wikipedia, scroll to the bottom of the page and read the big-ass "Controversy" section in which you'll read detailed news coverage on when he got drunk or wasted, who did he fight and who did he tell to fuck off. Same kind of news that's also a daily fixture on IMDb.

[B-side]

Well. I certainly don't agree with this.

Oh, you know what I mean. Of course I don't mean the action is of no importance at all, merely to us.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Huh, dude, I'm not an expert on tabloids or media and I don't have any interest in writing an essay about it. All the questions you just asked there would be very useful for this hypothetical essay, but I ain't writing it.

My point was directed at Trotchky, since he claimed your statement was truthful, but I found it so completely devoid of context and so superficial that "truthful" struck me as the wrong word.

[number8]

Sigh.

[Watashi]

Was the Michael Jackson scene included?

[number8]

No.

Neither were

The church scene and the Prop 8 rally.

[trotchky]

My point was directed at Trotchky, since he claimed your statement was truthful, but I found it so completely devoid of context and so superficial that "truthful" struck me as the wrong word.

I could be wrong, but I'm guessing Grouchy found his statement "truthful," as well, since he was the one who conceived it.

What you're basically saying here is that your disagreement with a proposition lies with the person who quoted it rather than the person who spoke it; you realize this, right?

No, what I think is that your point was directed at Grouchy, you just chose to respond to a post that amounted to "I agree" so you wouldn't have to directly debate him. Strawmen are fun!

[Ezee E]

So is this basically just a retread of Borat then, but for more funny stuff, and less satire?

[number8]

So is this basically just a retread of Borat then, but for more funny stuff, and less satire?

Exactly. Way less satire. Way more dick jokes and male nudity.

[Ezee E]

Exactly. Way less satire. Way more dick jokes and male nudity.
Which is what made the Bruno character the worst one on Da Ali G show to begin with.

*sigh* indeed. I figured since they had Prop 8 footage, they were trying to do something.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Pretty late to this, but...


What you're basically saying here is that your disagreement with a proposition lies with the person who quoted it rather than the person who spoke it; you realize this, right?

Yes. I'll explain in a second...


No, what I think is that your point was directed at Grouchy, you just chose to respond to a post that amounted to "I agree" so you wouldn't have to directly debate him.

I thought it might be worthwhile to engage you, since I can at least imagine the original comment being tossed off without really thinking about it - it's a cliche. But quoting it and calling it truthful, that implies an evaluation and conclusion regarding the subject.

But by all means, let's talk about me instead of the subject at hand...


Strawmen are fun!

...which is technically an "ad hominem" fallacy. You know who used ad hominem attacks? Hitler.

;)

[MadMan]

Exactly. Way less satire. Way more dick jokes and male nudity.Lame. The satire is partly why Borat was so awesome.

[trotchky]

Pretty late to this, but...



Yes. I'll explain in a second...



I thought it might be worthwhile to engage you, since I can at least imagine the original comment being tossed off without really thinking about it - it's a cliche. But quoting it and calling it truthful, that implies an evaluation and conclusion regarding the subject.

But by all means, let's talk about me instead of the subject at hand...



...which is technically an "ad hominem" fallacy. You know who used ad hominem attacks? Hitler.

;)

I don't really see how my post was an ad hominem attack against you, but whatever.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Exactly. Way less satire. Way more dick jokes and male nudity.

This might actually be a good thing. The 'satire' of Borat was (often) misguided and not particularly revelatory, I thought. I don't think this movie will be very good, but a good purple vein dick joke might unleash the chuckles.

[EvilShoe]

Unfortunately I have to agree with 8: Not nearly as good as Borat.
Still amusing though, loved the Ron Paul & camping scenes.

[Skitch]

I have very little motivation to ever see this.

[Milky Joe]

Neither do I. It looks like a big steaming pile.

[trotchky]

Borat's satire is obtuse at best, so if this movie is giving up that pretense entirely, it's probably for the better. Nonetheless, I agree that it looks awful.

[Ivan Drago]

I'm trying to figure out why this has a midnight showing here (Carbondale IL). It does look funny, but I thought midnight showings were reserved for movies with Dark Knight-levels of anticipation. Hell The Hangover and the new Friday the 13th movie got midnight showings here too.

[lovejuice]

it's not as good or as funny as borat, but still pretty great. especially the last third. the movie feels much less organic though. while it's quite natural, given his character, for borat to go anywhere with a camera, some scenes in bruno raise a question of authenticity.

reading 8's review, i totally agree. only after bruno starts to want to "cure himself" lie good stuffs .

[number8]

I'm still annoyed that he got to speak with an actual Al Qaeda terrorist and the first thing he did was to piss the guy off with a really obvious insult. Come on.

[Spinal]

It bothered me that this thread title did not have an umlaut. It now has an umlaut.

[[ETM]]

It bothered me that this thread title did not have an umlaut. It now has an umlaut.

Love the ümläüt.

[lovejuice]

I'm still annoyed that he got to speak with an actual Al Qaeda terrorist and the first thing he did was to piss the guy off with a really obvious insult. Come on.
good point. that middle east section is the weakest in the movie. in fact i seriously doubt its authentication.

[Spinal]

I liked it because it was funny. However, I think it's largely a missed opportunity when it comes to actually making a point about homophobia. When Ron Paul doesn't want to be trapped in a room and seduced, how is he different than anyone else? When a swinger doesn't want to look into a man's face while having sex with a woman, why is that unreasonable? The bits that work best are the ones where the subjects are allowed to volunteer their prejudices without being directly harassed: the wrestling match, the talk show, the guy who wants to cure Brüno's homosexuality. Cohen remains for me a funny guy and a stunningly audacious provocateur, but one that tends to disappoint by not always being able to justify his tactics with a coherent artistic vision of what he is trying to say about the subjects he raises.

For me, the funniest line of the film was ...

We both agree that hummus is healthy.

[Spinal]

And, for the record, I would place it about equal to Borat in terms of quality.

[Pop Trash]

I liked it because it was funny.
Agree.


And, for the record, I would place it about equal to Borat in terms of quality.
Disagree. I thought Borat was a bit better.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Cohen remains for me a funny guy and a stunningly audacious provocateur, but one that tends to disappoint by not always being able to justify his tactics with a coherent artistic vision of what he is trying to say about the subjects he raises.

I'm not sure why you brush this off. I'd argue that social commentary is his main m.o., and the fact that he isn't exactly being fair to many of the subjects or coherent (or saying anything particularly interesting - I already know that many Americans are retarded and that many fashionistas are shallow) are big problems, I would think. Lulz are good and all, but at what cost?

[Spinal]

I'm not sure why you brush this off. I'd argue that social commentary is his main m.o., and the fact that he isn't exactly being fair to many of the subjects or coherent (or saying anything particularly interesting - I already know that many Americans are retarded and that many fashionistas are shallow) are big problems, I would think. Lulz are good and all, but at what cost?

When I laugh consistently throughout a film, at some point I have to acknowledge that. I have to acknowledge that it was an enjoyable experience, even if it was not exactly the film I was hoping for. I have come to the conclusion that comedy is more important to him than social commentary and I have decided to accept the film on those terms. That said, I do believe that the scenes I cited do in fact work on a deeper level. I just wish there were more of them.

[Spaceman Spiff]

When I laugh consistently throughout a film, at some point I have to acknowledge that. I have to acknowledge that it was an enjoyable experience, even if it was not exactly the film I was hoping for. I have come to the conclusion that comedy is more important to him than social commentary and I have decided to accept the film on those terms. That said, I do believe that the scenes I cited do in fact work on a deeper level. I just wish there were more of them.

Fair enough.

I can understand your line of thinking more for something like The Hangover (which I recall you liking) which doesn't even pretend to be anything more than a stupid comedy. I think Sacha Baron Cohen fancies himself (or at least is portrayed in the media) as a button-pushing satirist whose dangerous antics work on numerous levels. At the surface level, it's kind of funny (Borat at least, I haven't seen Bruno but nothing I've heard/read suggests that this film has a different/better approach), but... I dunno.

In any case, I might be taking a date to this next weekend. That should be fun.

[Silencio]

When Bruno traps Ron Paul in a room and attempts to seduce him, he isn't making a statement on homophobia, or necessarily any statement at all (if it's any kind of "statement", it's a statement on the lengths people will go to become famous, and how "sex tapes" have played a role in that). He is putting an unassuming individual in an uncomfortable position for the sake of a reaction. Whether you actually find this funny or not is a different story altogether, and since different people find different things funny, it's probably an argument best not to get into. My point is, at the end of the day, it's only a missed opportunity if you went into the film with false expectations. Why should he justify anything when he's engaging in basic vulgar and raunchy humor meant to illicit a reaction for the sake of the audience; nothing more, nothing less? Sure, some of his stunts reveal people for who they really are, but in the end, Bruno is a caricature who makes for outrageous confrontations. It's not his fault that the media/critics paints him as someone he isn't trying to be.

[Spinal]

When Bruno traps Ron Paul in a room and attempts to seduce him, he isn't making a statement on homophobia, or necessarily any statement at all (if it's any kind of "statement", it's a statement on the lengths people will go to become famous, and how "sex tapes" have played a role in that). He is putting an unassuming individual in an uncomfortable position for the sake of a reaction. Whether you actually find this funny or not is a different story altogether, and since different people find different things funny, it's probably an argument best not to get into.

I don't think humor is as subjective as you're making it out to be. If the object of the prank in some way deserves the humiliation or is exposed as some sort of hypocrite, then there is justice in the comedy and it is therefore funnier than just picking on someone by trapping them in a highly uncomfortable situation. If someone finds that scene funny, I imagine it's because they felt that for some reason Paul had it coming, either because he is a politician or a celebrity or pompous or whatever. Personally, I disagree with a lot of Paul's ideas, but I didn't really understand why he had been singled out.

[Pop Trash]

In any case, I might be taking a date to this next weekend. That should be fun.

Ouch. How well do you know this gal? How much do you like her? Could be a bad move. :|

[Silencio]

I don't think humor is as subjective as you're making it out to be. If the object of the prank in some way deserves the humiliation or is exposed as some sort of hypocrite, then there is justice in the comedy and it is therefore funnier than just picking on someone by trapping them in a highly uncomfortable situation. If someone finds that scene funny, I imagine it's because they felt that for some reason Paul had it coming, either because he is a politician or a celebrity or pompous or whatever. Personally, I disagree with a lot of Paul's ideas, but I didn't really understand why he had been singled out.
Perhaps the comedy stems from the fact that Paul is a politician, or that he's an elderly man being set up for a sex tape by this caricature. Maybe he was the only politician Cohen could get an interview with. Or maybe it's funny because Paul isn't exactly the biggest supporter of gay rights, and well, I don't need to explain the rest of the joke to you. However, the punchline, like so many with Cohen, is in his reaction, which, at least for me, went from reasonable (leaving the room) to rather pathetic ("he's a queer"). At that point, at Paul's expense, I was amused and humored, and understood why Cohen singled him out.

[Pop Trash]

Personally, I disagree with a lot of Paul's ideas, but I didn't really understand why he had been singled out.

I thought this was one of the weakest scenes in the movie as well, but if I had to guess, I'd say Cohen left it in there because of his rather liberal use of the word "queer" at the end of the scene. I realize many people in the gay community use the word "queer" as a positive thing often, but it does have its roots as a epithet against gay people. Keep in mind the guy was running for the highest office in our country.

[trotchky]

Ouch. How well do you know this gal? How much do you like her? Could be a bad move. :|

I'm sure the girl knows what she's getting into with Bruno. Maybe I just don't get the concept of "taking" a date somewhere. Don't you guys decide on these things mutually?

[Pop Trash]

I'm sure the girl knows what she's getting into with Bruno. Maybe I just don't get the concept of "taking" a date somewhere. Don't you guys decide on these things mutually?
Just trying to help a brother out. There were about 5-10 walkouts at my showing and an older lady in front of me sat there with a scowl on her face the whole time. I felt a little sorry for her.

[Milky Joe]

He chose Paul to capitalize on the hype surrounding him during the presidential race, where he was tarred and feathered as a racist homophobe by the national media, the same time that he was the butt of every joke known to man. Now that he's being treated like a human being again, and that everyone has seemingly completely forgot about what happened during the race, the joke is woefully out of date. Apparently Sacha Baron Cohen didn't get the memo.

[Pop Trash]

He chose Paul to capitalize on the hype surrounding him during the presidential race, where he was tarred and feathered as a racist homophobe by the national media, the same time that he was the butt of every joke known to man. Now that he's being treated like a human being again, and that everyone has seemingly completely forgot about what happened during the race, the joke is woefully out of date. Apparently Sacha Baron Cohen didn't get the memo.

Umm, he did use the word "queer" as a negative pejorative quite a few times. It's on tape. Just sayin'...

[trotchky]

Just trying to help a brother out. There were about 5-10 walkouts at my showing and an older lady in front of me sat there with a scowl on her face the whole time. I felt a little sorry for her.

Lol. I'd feel sorry for her, too. Lighten up, old lady!

[trotchky]

Umm, he did use the word "queer" as a negative pejorative quite a few times. It's on tape. Just sayin'...

Didn't Bruno corner and try to force him into having sex with him? I wonder how many of us open-minded, liberal types would react in that situation. And, on camera? Not only does that make it more intimidating, it would essentially destroy Paul's career. I don't fault him for freaking out a little.

[EyesWideOpen]

Lol. I'd feel sorry for her, too. Lighten up, old lady!

Why would you feel sorry for her? She shouldn't go see movies without checking the rating and seeing what their about.

[trotchky]

Why would you feel sorry for her? She shouldn't go see movies without checking the rating and seeing what their about.

I wouldn't literally feel sorry for her, I'd probably find it funny more than anything else. I basically just meant that she shouldn't take a movie like Bruno so seriously.

I realize I just made a post defending Ron Paul in the Ron Paul scene, but that's different. There were parts of Borat that I found somewhat disagreeable, but that doesn't mean I'm going to sit there scowling the whole time. If it really bothered me that much, I would just leave.

[EyesWideOpen]

I wouldn't literally feel sorry for her, I'd probably find it funny more than anything else. I basically just meant that she shouldn't take a movie like Bruno so seriously.

I realize I just made a post defending Ron Paul in the Ron Paul scene, but that's different. There were parts of Borat that I found somewhat disagreeable, but that doesn't mean I'm going to sit there scowling the whole time. If it really bothered me that much, I would just leave.

I hold Ron Paul in the same esteem that I hold other cult leaders so to see him out of his comfort zone pleases me greatly.

[trotchky]

I hold Ron Paul in the same esteem that I hold other cult leaders so to see him out of his comfort zone pleases me greatly.

So you would hold Ron Paul in the same esteem as you would Jim Jones or Charles Manson? Really?

He's a hell of a lot better than the man who was elected president, but that's just my opinion.

[EyesWideOpen]

So you would hold Ron Paul in the same esteem as you would Jim Jones or Charles Manson? Really?

He's a hell of a lot better than the man who was elected president, but that's just my opinion.

You do know all cult leaders aren't murderers right? Obviously I think those two are worse.

[trotchky]

Okay, but I don't see how he's any more a "cult leader" than any other politician with a rabid base (Obama?).

[number8]

I tend to be more wary of cult leaders who don't believe in evolution.

[Milky Joe]

I hold Ron Paul in the same esteem that I hold other cult leaders so to see him out of his comfort zone pleases me greatly.

I am so tempted to neg rape you for this. Instead I'll just tell you to fuck off.

It's no secret that Ron Paul is 'old-fashioned.' He gets flustered and uses the word 'queer' when an overly flamboyant gay man tricks him into an interview where he tries to have sex with him. So would a lot of people from Texas over 70 years old. Get over it. It just so happens that this one is also probably the biggest champion of personal liberty working in government today, so I can forgive him for this minor infraction. Fuck PCness anyway, bunch of white upper-class guilt is all.

[EyesWideOpen]

I am so tempted to neg rape you for this. Instead I'll just tell you to fuck off.

It's no secret that Ron Paul is 'old-fashioned.' He gets flustered and uses the word 'queer' when an overly flamboyant gay man tricks him into an interview where he tries to have sex with him. So would a lot of people from Texas over 70 years old. Get over it. It just so happens that this one is also probably the biggest champion of personal liberty working in government today, so I can forgive him for this minor infraction. Fuck PCness anyway, bunch of white upper-class guilt is all.

If by "personal liberty" you mean as long as fits in with his beliefs. He wants to outlaw abortion and euthanasia and believes that every choice he makes in office is due to what god "his god" wants.

[Sycophant]

Before this goes much farther, could the Ron Paul discussion be relocated to one of the myriad political threads we have in the Kitchen Sink, or perhaps into a new thread? This could be permaderailing.

[EyesWideOpen]

Before this goes much farther, could the Ron Paul discussion be relocated to one of the myriad political threads we have in the Kitchen Sink, or perhaps into a new thread? This could be permaderailing.

No problem. I'm done anyways, I already discussed this in one of those political threads and I don't really care enough to keep talking about it.

[Spinal]

Before this goes much farther, could the Ron Paul discussion be relocated to one of the myriad political threads we have in the Kitchen Sink, or perhaps into a new thread? This could be permaderailing.

Yeah, I'm kind of keeping an eye on it. Paul's policies are relevant in relation to his suitability as a target for Cohen's prank. If this explodes into a wider discussion, we'll definitely move it to the appropriate place.

[Spinal]

This could be permaderailing.

And what is this word you're using here?

[Sycophant]

Permaderailing. Meant to be short for "permanent derailing." A Google search tells me that may be the very first time that neologism has been used.

[number8]

Days have passed since I saw this movie and I think I grow to dislike it more and more.

[Milky Joe]

If by "personal liberty" you mean as long as fits in with his beliefs. He wants to outlaw abortion and euthanasia and believes that every choice he makes in office is due to what god "his god" wants.

This is the second thing you've said in a few days that is completely, utterly, insipidly false, and like before, all I will say is "whatever," along with a "do you believe everything you read?"

[number8]

This is the second thing you've said in a few days that is completely, utterly, insipidly false, and like before, all I will say is "whatever," along with a "do you believe everything you read?"

I'm assuming your contention is to the fact that while Ron Paul is strongly pro-life and believes that abortion is the same as killing, he still maintains that there should not be a federal ban on abortion and instead, it should be determined on a state level?

Yeah, not good enough.

[Milky Joe]

Not good enough for whom? Rigid pro-choice-ers? I don't doubt it.

[number8]

If a state makes abortion illegal, a woman living in that state who wants to have an abortion can't do it, thus encroaching on her personal liberty. It's very simple.

[Milky Joe]

Simple for you, maybe, but not for those people who believe the child/fetus has its own personal liberty to be spoken for.

[Mysterious Dude]

I don't think anyone should be judged too harshly for the way they react to Cohen (in one of his disguises). He deliberately provokes people.

[Barty]

If by "personal liberty" you mean as long as fits in with his beliefs. He wants to outlaw abortion and euthanasia and believes that every choice he makes in office is due to what god "his god" wants.

I'm pretty sure Ron Paul doesn't do drugs, yet he is for the legalization of them. So much for only fitting things into his "personal" beliefs. You know nothing of Ron Paul.

[number8]

I like how I was just counting down the posts 'til you show up, Barty. :lol:

[Sven]

I'm pretty sure Ron Paul doesn't do drugs, yet he is for the legalization of them. So much for only fitting things into his "personal" beliefs. You know nothing of Ron Paul.

Is he for their legalization or is he for their decriminalization?

[Milky Joe]

Legalization.

[BuffaloWilder]

I'm pretty sure Ron Paul doesn't do drugs, yet he is for the legalization of them. So much for only fitting things into his "personal" beliefs. You know nothing of Ron Paul.

Except that he's a hack. A hack, I say!

No, but seriously.

[number8]

No, but seriously.

http://imgur.com/xRbhh.jpg

[Spinal]

I don't think anyone should be judged too harshly for the way they react to Cohen (in one of his disguises). He deliberately provokes people.

I think differently about this depending on the set-up, which is why Cohen is hit-and-miss for me. I think that if someone is trapped in a hotel room and sexually harassed, then yes, I think that is understandable that they would be flustered and not at their best. However, when you flip out over the sight of two men kissing after preparing yourself for the sight of two men beating each other violently in a cage, then I think that says something very revealing about you.

[number8]

Agree with Spinal. On a related note, I think the following is ridiculous. This is an article by a woman who was duped by Cohen (but did not end up in the movie):

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/how-we-saw-off-brno-1741933.html

She argues that she and her dance friends flipped out because they don't like being duped, and not because they're homophobes. Can we really use that as an excuse?

[Ivan Drago]

Just got back from this. Thought it was funny despite some jokes going on for too long (the air blowjob and the swingers party), and the unnecessary closeups of dick.

[Spinal]

... the unnecessary closeups of dick.

Those were some of the funniest parts!

[number8]

...and the unnecessary closeups of dick.

They are essential.

[Ivan Drago]

They are essential.

I sat 5 rows away from the screen. Those were uncomfortable to watch.

[number8]

I sat 5 rows away from the screen. Those were uncomfortable to watch.

Behold, Sacha Baron Cohen has uncovered your latent homophobia.

[baby doll]

I sat 5 rows away from the screen. Those were uncomfortable to watch.I was closer than five rows, and I laughed and I laughed and I laughed.

"Brüno."

[origami_mustache]

Not as good as Borat...seemed to rely on shock humor a lot more than cleverness.

[balmakboor]

Not as good as Borat...seemed to rely on shock humor a lot more than cleverness.

I guess I liked Bruno better. I thought the character was more focused and I felt for him and his plight. I never really warmed up to Borat.

[origami_mustache]

I guess I liked Bruno better. I thought the character was more focused and I felt for him and his plight. I never really warmed up to Borat.

I don't agree with that at all. I think Borat was a lot more focused and did a much better job at pointing out American's dislike for things that are "different". Bruno was more of a superficial asshole; and of course people aren't going to be accepting of most of the stuff he was doing. There is homophobia and then there is being offended by things that are just plain out of line for anyone gay or straight. Not that I was offended, but I understand why the people in the film would be. Borat was a soooo much more of a sympathetic character.

[balmakboor]

I don't agree with that at all. I think Borat was a lot more focused and did a much better job at pointing out American's dislike for things that are "different". Bruno was more of a superficial asshole; and of course people aren't going to be accepting of most of the stuff he was doing. There is homophobia and then there is being offended by things that are just plain out of line for anyone gay or straight. Not that I was offended, but I understand why the people in the film would be. Borat was a soooo much more of a sympathetic character.

Obviously, I didn't expect you to agree. :)

[Bosco B Thug]

Good for what it is: an outrageous stunt film with, just barely, the rhetorical purposes of making gayness prominent in a piece of mainstream entertainment, as well as a cornucopia of other topical stuff like absurdist mock peace talks - all surely kind of weak and little-researched (it takes a while to realize these films share very little in common with documentaries; they're more like "mocku-diary films"), but strengthened by the sheer novelty and daring-do of Baron Cohen's schtick.

[Amnesiac]

I saw this today. Pretty hilarious. I agree that he wasn't being as much of a clever satirist but rather a balls-to-the-wall provocateur.

Very hilarious, although a handful of scenes felt really staged. Bruno's hunting trip was one of the instances that felt particularly authentic. It also happened to be one of the funniest moments in the film.

He's apparently retiring the Bruno and Borat characters due to overexposure... so, I'm wondering if he'll think up another persona. Will he do an Ali G feature and complete a trilogy? Or a new character entirely? What other type of character would lend itself to some biting social commentary and nonstop laughs? He'll probably think something up.

[Winston*]

an Ali G feature
This already exists. It's terrible.

[origami_mustache]

Obviously, I didn't expect you to agree. :)

Yeah, but it's pretty baffling.

[Qrazy]

I don't think humor is as subjective as you're making it out to be. If the object of the prank in some way deserves the humiliation or is exposed as some sort of hypocrite, then there is justice in the comedy and it is therefore funnier than just picking on someone by trapping them in a highly uncomfortable situation. If someone finds that scene funny, I imagine it's because they felt that for some reason Paul had it coming, either because he is a politician or a celebrity or pompous or whatever. Personally, I disagree with a lot of Paul's ideas, but I didn't really understand why he had been singled out.

Nah man, it's funny because the situation is funny (fake interview goes wrong and they enter another room and Bruno starts lighting candles, playing music and dancing). Perhaps it would have been even more on the nose had Paul started ranting obscenities afterwards but the humor is in the awkwardness of the scene.

[Qrazy]

I hold Ron Paul in the same esteem that I hold other cult leaders so to see him out of his comfort zone pleases me greatly.

I have no problem with Ron Paul but for me it could have been any celeb or politician in the room and I would have found it funny.

[Qrazy]

Days have passed since I saw this movie and I think I grow to dislike it more and more.

Mostly I just found it to be too uneven. There were quite a few funny parts but too much felt staged and too many jokes fell flat. Some of the shock humor was effective most of it just became obnoxious.

[Qrazy]

I guess I liked Bruno better. I thought the character was more focused and I felt for him and his plight. I never really warmed up to Borat.

You are a gay racist.

[chrisnu]

Just got around to this. Not nearly as perspicacious as Borat, but this is making me re-evaluate my opinion of that one as well. Those photoshoot parents were the most disturbing thing in the movie. Everything after he decided to become straight kicked it up a couple notches, because it wasn't just shock factor.

I can't believe that "my asshole's just for shittin'" t-shirt was real. Wow.

I'm going to have to re-think my opinion of nice people.

[number8]

I can't believe that "my asshole's just for shittin'" t-shirt was real. Wow.

You can thank Mel Gibson.