‘Bruno’ is more shocking than any major film in recent history. Hilarious and smart, the movie is as challenging as it is disturbing.
The film is based around Bruno (Sacha Baron Cohen), a gay Austrian fashionist who feeds into every gay stereotype imaginable, and his unquenchable desire for stardom. In the pursuit of fame, Bruno hatches insane schemes ranging from swapping an African baby for an iPod to making a sex tape with former presidential candidate Ron Paul. This makes for some amazing interactions because the vast majority of people aren’t in on the joke.”In many of the situations Cohen is so outrageous that you cannot help but cringe imagining yourself in the victim’s shoes.
Possibly the most shocking thing about the movie is that it somehow managed an R rating. It definitely was a stretch to earn that, because the film borders on pornographic in several parts. The scene which comes to mind is a swingers party Bruno visits to observe and possibly participate in heterosexual sex. The censorship in the scene is minimal. Still, this scene provides some of the best dialogue in the entire film, when Bruno tries to help a man concentrate while he engages in the night’s activities.
While it rarely behaves like it, the film does provide an insightful commentary on American culture. The glimpse Cohen provides at different groups, from violently homophobic southerners to parents willing to put their infants in harm’s way just for a photo shoot. It may be funnier when Cohen is irreverent, but the film offers a meaningful statement through Bruno’s single minded pursuit of fame.
‘Bruno’ ranges from a laugh riot to stomach turning. In some places it defeats its own purpose by being so offensive to homosexuals as to reduce the meaningful commentary on homophobia. But the film never stops entertaining. Whether it outrages you or makes you consider the state of American society, it is impossible to be neutral towards this movie. And if you can handle the rude humor then it will be funny no matter what your beliefs.” Grade: A- Director: Tony Scott Runtime: 121 min.
