Where Does Bruno Fall on Your Cringe-to-Pleasure Scale?

July 7, 2009

Over the weekend I got to talking with some friends about Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming movie, Bruno, and I learned that a couple of them probably won't see the movie because they find it too uncomfortable. The cringe-worthy situations that Cohen puts himself in, as Bruno and previously as Borat, are what many folks find hysterically funny, but at the same time, they can make some people squirm in a most unpleasant way.

Where does Bruno fall for you? Is it more cringe-worthy in a bad way than it is funny? Or is all the cringing just part of the fun? Or maybe you don't cringe at all!

Photo courtesy of Universal Studios

22 Comments

daise 3 years 45 weeks

I don't think that it's Cohen's direct intention to make comedy at other people's expenses. I feel that he aims to highlight the intolerance and bigotry of people and does so by becoming a non-threatening/ ridiculous character. As a result of this character, he enables the bigots he targets to feel more superior, thus making it easier for him to ask provocative questions without fear of provoking a defensive answer. As unlikely it is that I am ever going to see Borat or Bruno, (too cringe-worthy for my taste - i can't even sit through a bad audition of American Idol!) you have to admit that this is pure genius. I don't think he tricks anyone into doing anything at all - he lets their behaviour speak for itself - and I feel that the footage he captures is even more potent as it shows people at their truest - noone is going to behave naturally if they know they're on candid camera......

emax3 3 years 45 weeks

i cant wait to see this movie lol it looks hilarious

bvfashion 3 years 45 weeks

I've never understood why it's not okay to make fun of anyone but so called "rednecks" or "white trash", but no other marginalized group. My mother could technically be considered to be either of those; she grew up very poor in the South. And yet she is one of the most understanding and tolerant women I have ever known. It's just as ignorant to think these people can be fit into a stereotype.

lizlee89 3 years 45 weeks

by the way weffie, by saying "ignorant rednecks," you are showing how ignorant you are. I don't personally have a problem with this kind of humour, but I think we as a country, and especially the media (especially Hollywood, etc.) is very hypocritical in doing so. The reason I say this is that we have been suffocated for the last three decades with political correctness and how jokes can;t be made about stereotypical, racial behavior because it degrades and generalizes (with which I agree). however, Hollywood then goes on to show that they are in fact in control of our world basically and that they are the only ones who can do so. I never saw Borat but both that trailer and the Bruno trailer had some very funny moments as well as some cringeworthy moments.I don't really know whether or not I want to see it; but I do know that the overexposure done by both the trailers (on every channel; in every movie) and by Cohen himself. seriously, it gets really annoying seeing him constantly in character and over-the-top....

lizlee89 3 years 45 weeks

by the way weffie, by saying "ignorant rednecks," you are showing how ignorant you are. I don't personally have a problem with this kind of humour, but I think we as a country, and especially the media (especially Hollywood, etc.) is very hypocritical in doing so. The reason I say this is that we have been suffocated for the last three decades with political correctness and how jokes can;t be made about stereotypical, racial behavior because it degrades and generalizes (with which I agree). however, Hollywood then goes on to show that they are in fact in control of our world basically and that they are the only ones who can do so. I never saw Borat but both that trailer and the Bruno trailer had some very funny moments as well as some cringeworthy moments. I don't really know whether or not I want to see it; but I do know that the overexposure done by both the trailers (on every channel; in every movie) and by Cohen himself. seriously, it gets really annoying seeing him constantly in character and over-the-top....

simplyfab87 3 years 45 weeks

Pure pleasure. Can't wait to watch it!

Allyace 3 years 45 weeks

I love comedies. I could watch Old School over and over. Hangover was awesome. Borat was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. No way I'm wasting money on Bruno.

HotPinkLauren 3 years 45 weeks

I just don't find it funny. I also think it's mean to trick people into interviews and then make them look stupid.

Linda McP 3 years 45 weeks

Just not a fan.

Linda McP 3 years 45 weeks

Just not a fan.

equestriennechic 3 years 45 weeks

I guess we'll see... I HATED Borat though...

leeluvfashion 3 years 45 weeks

I find the trailer/role hysterical, so I will watch the film. IMO, those cringing-inducing moments are what make me want watch; he does what no other comedian is willing to do. He is not portraying a political viewpoint, it is dark comedy, satire.

3 years 45 weeks

I kind of feel like Bruno is just like that dirty, inappropriate joke you'd only tell in the presence of really close friends. I kind of only want to watch this movie in a private home on DVD with those friends.

gruaig_rua 3 years 45 weeks

I'm not overly sensitive but I won't be watching this. It's way too cringe-inducing. It's the same reason I have never watched Borat.

weffie 3 years 45 weeks

I'm excited for it, I loved Borat... Normally I don't like humour that's at someone's expense, but when "someone" means a bunch of ignorant rednecks it's funny :)

bethinabox 3 years 45 weeks

I couldn't stand Borat, and I don't think Bruno is going to be any better, so I'm not going to see it. Just thinking about it makes me cringe.

Briandiesel 3 years 45 weeks

Pushing peoples buttons for the sake of pushing peoples buttons does not teach anyone tolerance. They don't even know that that's the point of the interview, if it in fact is.It's when you educate people by helping to break down stereotypes and they can see you as an actual person, while helping them to lower their guard, is where actual tolerance begins. It's not about lightening up at all. It's about what the goal of the awkward situation is and in these movies, tolerance is low on the scale.

Briandiesel 3 years 45 weeks

Pushing peoples buttons for the sake of pushing peoples buttons does not teach anyone tolerance. They don't even know that that's the point of the interview, if it in fact is. It's when you educate people by helping to break down stereotypes and they can see you as an actual person, while helping them to lower their guard, is where actual tolerance begins. It's not about lightening up at all. It's about what the goal of the awkward situation is and in these movies, tolerance is low on the scale.

Sunflower Sutra 3 years 45 weeks

I find him to be extremely annoying. He was funny in Sweeney Todd, but that's it.

ihaveaqtsn 3 years 45 weeks

People should lighten up. It is supposed to be a satire on how our country sees the gay community. I hate how sensitive people are these days. We're all adults now, aren't we?

starangel82 3 years 45 weeks

I'm not a Sasha Baron Cohen fan.

DentalBabe 3 years 45 weeks

Oh come on people, lighten up!

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22 Comments

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