Review: Brüno

You already know if you’re going to see Brüno. If you’re homophobic, you’re not going to see it. If you’re put off by extremely graphic nudity and sexual content, you’re not going to see it. But if you loved 2006’s Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, then you’re in luck. Brüno, in theaters today, is almost identical to Borat.

This time around, instead of an aspiring journalist from Kazakhstan, actor Sacha Baron Cohen uses another of his infamous characters: Brüno, an Austrian homosexual and fashion guru who wants to be über famous.

That’s really the only difference between the movies. Borat wanted to see and explore America while Brüno just wants to be “the most famous Austrian since Hitler.”

In fact, the basic plot structure of the two films is almost annoyingly similar. Like Borat, Brüno departs from his homeland for America with his assistant (Lutz, played by Gustaf Hammarsten). Hijinks ensue, the duo splits up, more hijinks ensue, and the duo gets back together in the end. Yawn.

But those hijinks… oh, those hijinks. It’s best not to spoil them here because that’s the only reason to see the movie. So, to put it vaguely, Brüno first tries making a celebrity interview show. (The reaction he gets from Harrison Ford is priceless.) Then he tries to make a celebrity sex tape with former presidential candidate Ron Paul.

When that doesn’t work, he tries adopting an African baby so he can be like Madonna and Brangelina. (This is where our cameo comes in, Dallas area. The airport where Brüno picks up his baby out of a cardboard box is none other than Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport. And the talk show where Brüno unveils his parenting techniques was shot in Carrollton. We should all be proud.)

When Brüno ultimately decides that he should give being straight a try, he sees a “gay converter” and attends a swingers party, culminating in an epic scene at a wrestling arena in Arkansas.

Though it may seem like Brüno dwells on making fun of homophobic Southerners, it must be said that Sacha Baron Cohen is an equal-opportunity offender. His Brüno is not a hero that homosexuals can look up to. He’s a graphic caricature, embodying the stereotypical worst fears of every homophobe. Baron Cohen puts blatant sexuality on the screen and purposely tries to make all (not just some) of his audience uncomfortable.

And in addition to mocking the hateful homophobes, Brüno also blasts self-righteous, “sensitive” celebrities who pretend to care about world issues but really just want their moments in the spotlight.

But throughout the obscenities and graphic content, one fact shines through: Sacha Baron Cohen is a genius. He deserved the Golden Globe he won for his performance in Borat and he deserves another for his turn as Brüno. He is, without a doubt, more skilled than any other comedic actor working today if only because of his improvisational skills. But he also has the remarkable ability to remain in character, even in the face of extreme danger.

Still, I would have enjoyed seeing more of the Brüno character in his native environment. The first few scenes in which Brüno runs amuck in the fashion world are hysterical. In fact, a Brüno movie where he stays in Europe might have been just as funny, if not quite as satirical. And it definitely would have set it apart from Borat.

Will you be shocked during Brüno? Of course. Will you be able to stop laughing? Probably not. But will it seem a little too familiar? Ultimately, yes.