Bruno (2008)
Bruno (USA) Directed by Larry Charles Starring Sasha Baron Cohen
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Sasha Baron Cohen’s latest is less effective then his previous effort. Perhaps the schtick is growing wearisome? Perhaps the wide appeal of Borat raised expectations too high? Even long time fans of Cohen’s work (on British TV and HBO) might be looking for him to take his act to another level. Larry Charles (Curb Your Enthusiasm) again directs, and the formula is very similar to Borat. Cohen plays a foreign character who comes to the US, behaving in an outrageous manner, which shocks those unsuspecting “real life” American participants and onlookers. There are laughs to be had here - assuming one isn’t easily offended by male nudity and simulated gay sex (and the bevy of jokes having to do with the same). While there is a legitimate inherent satirical statement about our intolerance as human beings (and as a nation), the delivery is less subtle. Not that Borat didn’t have its share of in your face sex and scatalogical bits, but Cohen and Charles are relying even less on character based humor here and more on in your face gay sex antics to elicit laughs. It feels a bit forced in places, though one has to give the comedien some kudos for sheer, utter audacity. Envelope pushing comics/performance artists (ala Andy Kaufman) always eventually confront issues having to with topping themselves, and it will be interesting to see what Cohen comes up with in an attempt to veer in a slightly different direction as clearly this process has run out of a bit of steam. There is no doubt that his ability to fully commit by immersing himself into these characters, and then tossing them into the world, marks him as possessing a singular talent. What he does with that going forward in terms of ongoing comedic innovation is another matter.