Bruno! (’nuff said)

As if Borat wasn't genius enough, Cohen brings us Bruno's view of America.

Bruno

starring Sascha Baron Cohen

directed by Larry Charles

So what were you expecting? I think the trailer said it all, and if you go into this movie expecting anything less off putting than what you got in Borat, you don’t know Sascha Baron Cohen. And for that, you should be ashamed, lol.

This is the third and I suppose the final film based on Cohen’s former HBO show “The Ali G Show.” Cohen did a film about Ali G some time ago, but it completely flopped and there wasn’t much heard about it. But in 2006, he came back with the second character from the show, Borat. It was huge. So, going into this year’s Bruno, you had to know that Cohen was going to do anything and everything to top Borat and go even farther. Perhaps farther than need be in some cases.

The film is in the style of a mockumentory, where we follow Bruno, a same proclaimed fasion icon that is gay and Austrian. The film begins showing Bruno’s life in Austria and Germany and the downfall of his television show at the hands of none other than Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. He decides to go to America, and try his hand at acting, interviewing, and several other endevours that just don’t quite work out. He travels with his assistant Lutz and the havoc unfolds.

The prank skits are the best part of the film, and I don’t want to ruin them for you, but I will name a few of my favorites; Bruno interviews a real terrorist (no joke). Bruno attempts to solve the Middle East Peace process by mediating between various Israeli and Palestinian figures. Bruno joins the national guard after deciding to try and become straight. Bruno gets his ass beat up by a dominatrix at a swinger’s party. And of course, the famous velcro suit that completely wrecked Milan fasion week in the middle of Prada’s design showing. It is a hilarious and often uncomfortable string of mishaps, with more than enough penis shots for any movie. You’ve been warned.

Plus, there’s a deeper level of criticism if you pay attention. Cohen shows us through these outrageous situations very sad things about us as Americans, such as how uncomfortable some people are with homosexuality and how cruel we can be to people who are different. As with all comedy, some of it is funny because it is true.

I have very little negative things to say about the film, but there is one big one. The plot is the same basic plot of Borat. They come to America for a filming oppurtionity, they initially fail, their friends leave them, they try to be something they’re not, then the ultimate realization of whatever messed up thing they are trying to accomplish. I felt that playing the story so close to that of Borat’s was a big mistake, but the skits varied it up enough to where it wasn’t completely devistating to the film. I was still very entertained, and the plot was just a minor misstep. Because when you really think about it, who goes into watch these films and actually thinks about plot?

If you are easily offended, don’t go see Bruno. If you don’t like uncomfortable nudity, do not go see Bruno. If you don’t like raw, graphic humor, do not go see Bruno. But if your sick and demented and always looking for a good laugh, you must go see Bruno. Seriously though, don’t knock the film for any of the obvious reasons. You knew what you were getting into before you saw it. Sascha Baron Cohen accomplished exactly what he meant to, and I applaud him for it. He wasn’t going for an Academy Award. So don’t expect that level of film making from him.

Just relax, sit back, and laugh your ass off.

3.5 out of 4 stars