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BRUNO – SASHA BARON COHEN PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES WITH OUTRAGEOUS CHARACTER


Whether you are a fan of his brand of humor or not, you have to give British comedy actor Sasha Baron Cohen credit for taking risks and pressing people’s buttons by taking on controversial subjects in such a way as to both shock and cause uproarious laughter at the same time.  That isn’t to say there weren’t those who were up in arms and offended by his last film, Borat, which was about a fictitious anti Semitic Kazakhstani journalist.  But of course, it was purely intended to poke fun at ridiculous prejudices and behavior.

As a followup to Borat, Sasha Baron Cohen takes it up a notch by pushing the envelope even more with Bruno, his latest mockumentary focusing on homophobia that follows the exploits of the titled character, an openly gay 19 year old European TV fashionista (played by 30 something Cohen, that age stretches it a bit – but then exaggeration is his objective) who comes to Los Angeles with the intent of becoming “the biggest Austrian movie star since Arnold Schwartzenegger”.

It begins when Bruno is fired as host of his own show, Funkyzeit Mit Bruno, after an idiotic incident on the runway of a Milan fashion show.  Blacklisted in his own country, he decides to pack up his bags, leaving behind his pigmy lover and accompanied by his faithful, love stricken assistant’s assistant Lutz (Gustaf Hammarsten) heads for America.



Similar to Borat’s mo, Bruno conjurs up situations that have him interacting with unsuspecting (although some are questionable) folks who have no idea what they are in for, nor for that matter, do audiences watching this film.  So much of what goes on involves graphic sex, huge mechanical dildos, full frontal male nudity, Nazi jokes and foul language.  But, what shocks me the most is how this film got away with an R and not an X or NC-17 rating, which more appropriately fits the bill.



For example, after his attempt to make it as an actor fails, Bruno comes up with an idea for his own show and brings in a focus group to give their opinion on the pilot which prominently features his flamboyant gay behavior and a talking penis. As a result of their viewing several members of the group storm out of the room appalled, but not before vocally expressing their obvious anger and disgust.

Thinking he can become famous for making an x rated video of one of his sex-capades, he tries to seduce Ron Paul, the former Presidential candidate.   Then, as Madonna and Angelina Jolie did before him, he adopts an African child.  As a guest on Richard Bey’s talk show in front of an all-black audience, he discusses single parenthood before bringing out his son he says was acquired “by trading my iPOD”. Making matters worse the child Bruno has named OJ, wears a T shirt that reads "Gayby".  You can imagine the audience’s reaction!

Depressed at his failure to reach fame Bruno decides what he needs to do is to find a way to become straight like A-list stars, Travolta, Cruise and Spacey (actors whose sexuality has been questioned).  What follows is a visit to an army training camp, going on a “macho” hunting trip with three rednecks, taking a self defense class to protect himself against homosexuals, and attending a swingers party in an effort to be attracted to women.

While all push the boundaries to another level, not all skits work. A segment that has Bruno going to the Middle East on a peace mission to bring together representatives from both sides falls flat.

An interview with LaToya Jackson has been cut (probably in consideration of the recent death of her brother).  Others, like those regular middle class folks in the focus group, are prodded to their breaking point, although it seems that some of the segments have been staged.  I had trouble believing the segment with Bruno questioning parents about what they were willing to let their child be subjected to when it came to appearing in a show. The mother of a prospective cast member is asked if it would be OK if her child was put on a cross and crucified like Jesus Christ.  Her response is, “That’s fine as long as he gets the gig.”  If it looks like I have given most away, trust me Cohen as Bruno delivers several more wild and crazy antics guaranteed to cause all sorts of reactions.

Yes, Bruno is filled with in your face vulgarity,  but I must admit I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically at most of his ridiculous, over the top, extreme shenanigans. Several audience members walked out during the preview screening.  No doubt they felt uncomfortable or embarrassed as it must have been too much for them to handle.

When it comes to Sasha Baron Cohen nothing is sacred or taboo. Whatever you think, you can’t ignore the fact that he is a brilliant satirist who will go to the extreme and stay in character to make a point.  There simply isn’t anyone as daring and funny as Cohen.
I can only imagine who and what he will target next.  But, like millions of his fans, I can’t wait for him to bring it on.