In his newest comedic tirade, Sacha Baron Cohen, British comedic actor and star of “The Ali G Show,” portrays Kazakhstan reporter Borat Sagdiyev in the new mock-umentary phenomenon, “Borat: Cultural Learning’s of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.”
As a televised representative from his homeland in Kazakhstan, Borat takes his na’ve and uncivilized persona to America to interview and learn American cultural ways. The hilarity of the film lies in his cross-country interactions with real interviews with congressmen, feminists, a Southern etiquette diner’s club, traveling fraternity brothers and a renewal at a Pentecostal mass.
Throughout the movie, moments of exchange between Borat’s real life interactions and scripted acting flow well, bu his antics frequently ask the audience whether what is happening is real or staged.
Sophomore marketing major, Anthony Kim thought at times the movie was weak, she said, because some aspects of movie seemed fake.
The discrepancy between real documentary situations and set up moments of plot dialogue provided almost consistent humor and audience amusement.
“I was wondering who’s an actor and who isn’t an actor throughout the movie,” said Dan Benavidez, a junior management major. “But it’s still a funny movie.”
Borat’s shenanigans begin in New York City when he accidentally loses his rooster in a subway car. From there, Borat begins interviewing duties, only to be distracted by a late night showing of Baywatch. Pamela Anderson’s beauty captivates Borat and makes him stray from his original goal and into a road trip through the south, across the southwest and to California.
Cohen, who is Jewish, turns Borat into a na’ve but blatant anti-Semite. Bigoted and distrusting of anything Jewish, the irony of Borat’s adventure lands him right to the household of a welcoming Jewish couple.
The movie is full of racy and politically incorrect antics, but also contributes an unprofessional, but realistic, look at some of the sexist, elitist and racist attitudes that are still present in the United States. But in the end, this movie is more entertaining than it is thought provoking.
Cohen stays true to his role as Borat at all times, even through the most awkward and tension-high scenes. He bears all as Borat in a naked wrestling match with his producer, but even more he displays the craziness of his offensive behavior with brief and camouflaged moments of savvy humor.
“I thought it was phenomenal,” said junior marketing major Alan. “I was cracking up the whole time.”
This movie isn’t an inspirational comedic masterpiece, but for fans who already know Borat’s potential – and those ready to be exposed to the outrageous mannerisms and cultural ignorance of Borat’s world – then this movie is sure to have audience members laughing through the full hour and twenty-four minutes.
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” is rated R for crude language, nudity and sexual references.
