Review: Bruno (2009)

[Homer Yen]

"Bruno" - The Excessiveness is Hard to Swallow
by Homer Yen
(c) 2009

That tagline is pretty tame compared to the exploits that are being
unleashed in Bruno, the follow up by Sasha Baron Cohen who introduced
us to the culturally-backwards "Borat."  I remember a few years back
seeing one of George Carlin's comedy shows in Vegas.  On the outside,
when he took the stage with deliberate pace, he looked like any
mild-mannered hippie.  On the inside though, there was a
vulgarity-infused monster looking to come out.  His very first words
out of his mouth shocked me.  However, I understood that those words
were said to set the tone of the show.  Going forward, you knew what
to expect and he was unapologetic about making sure that those
expectations were met.  And, if you didn't like it, then you should
have just left and headed across The Strip where Rita Rudner was
headlining at the New York New York hotel and casino.

Watching "Bruno", my inner emotions were shifting gears constantly
throughout the film.  I found the film funny at times and disgusting
at others.  I laughed at the misery inflicted upon others and also
felt guilty at times for laughing at the misery inflicted upon others.
 The film was never boring and yet it was hard for me to watch at
times.  I saw this film around lunchtime and snuck in a sandwich that
I got from Potbelly's, which is right next to the theatre that I go
to.  Once the film started, I couldn't even manage to eat the
sandwich.  All I can say is: when a theatre screens a film like this,
they should expect sales of hot dogs to drop!

Bruno is outwardly gay in the same way that the most prolific WWE
wrestlers appear to be on steroids.  When we first meet Bruno, he is a
television-reality show star.  Equally influential and vapid, I
laughed at how he poked fun at fashion-reality shows.  I chuckled when
he attended a fashion runway show with an all-Velcro suit and makes a
mess of things.  I shuddered at watching his romantic escapades with
his boyfriend.

He comes to America and puts well-known personalities in awkward
situations.  Especially funny was his interview with Paula Abdul in a
house that didn't have any furniture.  And, his ambushing of a
prominent Congressman puts Cohen at the top of the heap when it comes
to pranksters.  He also inserts himself into unsuspecting groups of
hetero individuals.  Most eerie was his attempt to stir things up
'brokeback-mountain-style' with a trio of hunters.  His funniest
moments, though, are when he includes large groups of unsuspecting
viewers.  His guest-appearance on the Richard Bey talk show was by far
the most dramatic in terms of inflaming the crowd.

I can't say that, overall, I really like the movie.  I liked "Borat"
better.  Why?  Well, this film has only one angle it can work with.
And that's his flamboyant gayness.  At least with "Borat", that
character was a universal nincompoop.  So, there was humor to be found
in virtually every corner of our country.  The scope here is more
limited and the attempts for laughs felt more desperate.

I do admire the bravery and courage it takes to be able to pull a
project like this together.  I'm sure that Sasha Baron Cohen is
risking his reputation, not to mention dozens of lawsuits.  As a
matter of fact, at many points in the film, Bruno seemed to be facing
real danger in the land of Shotguns & Pickups.  This is a film that
will have a lingering affect.
It will be too much for some.  The talking genitalia will assure that.
 Well, if that offends you, feel free to walk to an adjacent theatre
and see "I Love You Beth Cooper".

Grade:  C

S: 4 out of 3
L: 3 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3