Review of Brüno (2009) by Bailey S — 21 Feb 2013

If Borat juxtaposed the ugly US side towards the Middle East and anti-Antisemitism, then Bruno juxtapose the homophobia. Sacha Baron Cohen is not out to expose the shocking truth of homophobia in US to demand change.

No, he is using it to indulge himself in this naughty comedy. Yes, this is an out of control funny film like Borat. The film is shot like a documentary following a fashion star hungry Bruno and his misadventure for fame in America.

He does several schemes to get famous from being kidnapped to having his own show. That all fails and his lover leaves him. With no one else, he is left to adapt American life. He tries joining the army and then tries to "cure" his homosexually.

He finds himself at a swinger's party where he is whipped by a naked chick. He starts a relationship with a guy and tries to adopt an African child where he shocks audiences when he is interviewed at a talk show.

Is there nothing stopping Bruno? I for one could not believe all the zany schemes Bruno does. Some of the stuff shown is just outright funny and offensive. A lot of people found it distasteful with the vulgarities including an ultimate cage fighting scene.

You see ignorance and small mindedness of the good ole South ("Heart of Dixie" plays). I wonder how much restrain some of people had from lynching Bruno/Cohen especially as the film comes to a close.

Yet, it does not mean it is nowhere near hilarious. Bruno is wicked and fantastic as Cohen indulges in the anxiety people have for a laugh. Director Larry Charles is great here nonetheless providing an excellent semi-document.

There are lot of valid reasons to discredit this film, but there is one bias news show that utterly failed to do so. I found it funny how the mediocre third rate "news magazine" TV show tried to disarray viewers, but ultimately fail.

Why, possibly to avoid the humiliation I guess? Bruno is not for all and not for the weak stomach. If you enjoyed Borat, you will definitely love this film.