I was in the shower this morning, thinking about the trailer for Borat. Don't ask. Anyway, I was chuckling to myself about the cinematography, how the camera pans around to reveal cows here and there, and the general editing of the trailer as an overall piece of hilarity.
Imagine my surprise when I open up my inbox to find a Borat review from our favorite UK correspondent, Dougie, who heaps lavish praise upon the film....
"It is the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately."
- George Carlin
Comedy is becoming overcrowded, with just about anyone getting the chance now to say "I want in", and getting a spotlight, as they try to entertain. More and more, comedians feel they have to cross that line in order to get the recognition and fame they feel they deserve. To some extent, it works. Comedy films can get the box office figures it wants by running a trailer for the film with the same old joke thats been on the silver screen for decades, but putting it in a different situation (I'm on to you, Wayans brothers). I don't want to see the line of taste or moral decency stumpled across, with visibile effort. I don't want pointless controversy. I want a film like Borat.
Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan follows Borat, the best journalist in his country, on his trip to America, where he intends to study the American way of life, to make Kazakhstan a better place to live. Although only meant to be filming in New York, Borat decides to cross the United States, filming his report, while in search of his new found love, CJ Parker (Pamela Anderson, on an episode of Baywatch on TV in Borat's hotel room).
To reveal almost anything else about the movie would spoil it immensely, but I found myself laughing so hard, almost non stop through the movie, that my head hurt. I was never really a huge fan of Sacha Baron Cohen's characters, be it Ali G (who's already been in an almost forgettable flick), Borat, or Bruno. I always preferred the Borat sketches, but never considered it must-see TV.
The film, however, allows Cohen to let his character loose, in some of the finest physical comedy I've ever witnessed (Lee Evans/John Cleese/Michael Crawford standard), and say things I'm almost certain will be cut before the general cinema relase on November 3rd. In the space of 5 minutes, Borat manages to say things that would easily offend women, men, children, any person of any colour, and even animals. But what's the difference between Borat using the term "chocolate face", and the racist cop in this years Little Man? I think it's because you're constantly reminded that Borat is speaking with pure innocence, he is obviously a fish out of water in the culturally diverse USA.
Contrary to my expectations, the film does have a real story arc to follow, which is does so with great ease. It can't afford to be complicated, as you'll be too busy laughing at the bear in the ice cream truck to take anything else in.
I was fortunate enough to get hold of six tickets for this screening. I gave two to my sister, who is a teenager. I went with one of my friends (I'm a twentysomething and he is in his 30's), and I gave the remaining tickets to my parents (late 40's and very early 50's). Each of us had different exposure to Borat on TV, from my sister's friend the devout fan with all the merchandise, to my parents, who had only heard of him on Radio 4, being labelled as disgusting and perverse. At the end, a simple survey decreed Borat as the funniest film of the year (and funniest film ever, according to two members of the survey). I was quite impressed that this film appealed to people born in five different decades. It's a simply tremendous film. 5 out of 5, 10 out of 10, 100%, five stiletto's, however you want to say it.
I can see why the Kazakhstan Government are so unhappy about this movie, despite it being completely obvious that the character of Borat is an extended parody of a stereotype. I started this with a quote from one genius of comedy, and want to end with that of another, which I hope those who find Borat to be in poor taste, can appreciate
"In the end, everything is a gag."
- Charlie Chaplin
