Bruno

Gross-out Fun, 22 July 2009

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom


*** This review may contain spoilers ***


A very funny, and largely successful follow up to the mass market success of "Borat" starring the ubiquitous Sacha Baron Cohen. The formula is simple, identify the basest humour opportunities, and go for it. The plot loosely follows the fortunes of a gay Austrian fashion reporter as he seeks fame and fortune in America. In practise that merely provides a framework for a themed sketch show.

Part of the humour is derived from not being clear what sequences are shot as documentary with the participants hapless stooges,and what scenes are staged. "American Idol" Judge Paula Abdul is mildly compromised by sitting on Mexicans acting as chairs, but I suspect that in her case any publicity is good publicity. A scene where Bruno seeks to be "cured" of his homosexuality by a Christian Evangelical does not work quite so well due to the undoubted sincerity of the Churchman.

At 81 minutes, the film does not outstay it's welcome and is highly amusing.It falls short of "Borat" dramatically because Bruno has too much front, whereas Borat had a cringe worthy innocence.To compensate gay sex gags are taken to an extreme never seen before in mainstream cinema.

As a light, but crude, satire on Austria and conservative values everywhere ,this movie, like Bruno, is an entertaining piece of fluff. Cohen would claim no more himself.