Brüno Film Review
Sacha Baron Cohen's Modern Satire
In 2006, the cultural misadventures of Borat shook movie theaters all around the world to their core. No documentary had gone so far in staring embarrassing realities in the face. By allowing them to witness his documentary on American life, and then taking them on the journey in search of his “true love”, the primitive, naïve reporter from Kazakhstan forced viewers to observe closely many of the flaws of American society. Borat was arguably the most politically incorrect character ever created. But while the audience was shocked by his crudeness, the character was busy pointing a finger at frat-house idiocy, nationalistic narrow-mindedness, a skewed perception of everything non-Western and every kind of intolerance imaginable.
Three years later, Baron Cohen makes a comeback with Brüno, and he is as committed to de-masking hypocrisy and intolerance as ever. Behind the crass humor and the uncomfortable situations that Brüno creates, the viewer can sense the same statement that powered Borat’s controversial documentary on the flaws of American culture.
The Story of Brüno
Brüno (Sacha Baron Cohen) is an Austrian fashion icon who leads a sophisticated life. When, following a fashion show misstep, he becomes an outcast, he decides to go west (identified by so many with California), where he can pursue his dream of becoming “the biggest Austrian celebrity since Hitler”. Struck by a revelation, he realizes that the quickest way to become well known in Los Angeles is to host a celebrity show. However, he gets off on the wrong foot, triggering the anger and bewilderment of celebrities like Harrison Ford and Paula Abdul. Moreover, his eccentric proposal for a new show meets with the producers’ disapproval – to put it mildly – and Brüno must come up with plan B.
His next move is to adopt a baby from Africa – a contemporary celebrity trend – and to appear, with this baby, on a TV show. Things go badly again and, after he is booed by the audience and social services take his baby, Brüno follows a celebrity guru’s advice and decides to change his sexual orientation. Ironically, he attains the much wanted fame by scandalizing and enraging a homophobic cage-fight audience in Arkansas, where, instead of fighting his loyal assistant Lutz (Gustaf Hammarsten), Brüno gives in to his repressed feelings for the man.
It is hard to distinguish between the staged scenes and the genuine ones that “victimize” both regular people and celebrities who have no clue the camera is rolling. However, Baron Cohen manages to stay in character against all odds, even at the risk of jeopardizing his identity or his well being. Brüno’s integrity steals the scene to such an extent that all moments become equally authentic.
The Power of Satire
Brüno’s humor is far from subtle and, although hilarious, the situations Baron Cohen devises are often viscerally disturbing. Nevertheless, in Baron Cohen’s hands, comedy ceases to be just entertainment. It becomes part of a mission statement. In an attempt to ignite his L.A. celebrity show, Brüno invites Paula Abdul to a trendy but still empty house and has her sit on an improvised chair and eat off an improvised table – courtesy of the Mexican (and most likely illegal) gardeners who are suitable for any job. The social commentary continues when Brüno presents his African baby, a little boy that he had “swapped for an iPod”. As the character himself puts it, if “Madonna has one”, why wouldn’t Brüno have his little accessory as well? And perhaps the most disturbing scene of all is the pre-selection of the children that are to be subjected to Brüno’s "crucifixion" photo shoot. The parents’ willingness to sacrifice anything, including their children’s health and well-being, in order for the kids to become famous is more obscene than any penis-swinging scene or anal joke Brüno exposes the viewer to.
All of these situations are shocking and outrageously funny at the same time. But it is the “innocent” by-stander’s reaction, the reaction that these situations trigger in regular Americans that are actually at the heart of the satire. It is as if Brüno forced the audience to look in the mirror, saying this is how homophobic, how xenophobic, how intolerant you are. Baron Cohen’s satire is not comfortable, but, most of the times, neither is facing the truth. In forcing us to accept the realities of the culture we live in, Sacha Baron Cohen might just be the greatest cultural philosopher of our times.
- Produced by: Universal Studios
- Directed by: Larry Charles
- Written by: Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines
- Runtime: 82 minutes
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