Yes, it is over-the-top and raunchy. But, considering my personal set of sensitivities, the issue that I kept fuming about afterwards was not homophobia, talking penises, or even poor victimized Ron Paul.
There is a scene in which "Bruno" holds an audition for baby models, and the camera follows his interviews with various parents as he gets them to agree to let their toddlers do a range of ridiculous things ranging from just plain silly to downright disturbing. (Doing high-speed chase scenes without a car seat, being exposed to creepy crawlies and fire, posing on a crucifix, etc etc) I can't believe those people actually agreed to be included in the film, for fear of Child Protective Services coming after them. Remember, these are not actors, they are real people that have no idea Bruno is a fictional character that is just pranking them.
The one that really got to me, though, was a gem of a mother who was happy to promise that her 30-pound child could lose 10 pounds in one week in order to qualify for a photo shoot. She agreed to those conditions with a smile on her face, no problem at all. This was not some obese 30-pound neonate (not that losing 1/3 of body weight would even be acceptable in any case that young, don't get me wrong), it was a healthy, beautiful, perfect little girl, probably around 3ish years old.
Really? Come on America, this just makes my heart cry.
EDIT: I didn't mean to imply that homophobia does not offend me, just that 1) I expected to see it in the movie, so it was no shock, and 2) As raunchy and crude as the movie is overall, the main theme is to expose homophobia, not endorse it.
5 comments:
I'm actually very happy that I saw Bruno alone versus with friends because I was incredibly uncomfortable throughout. I got carded twice, considering I don't look seventeen, when seeing it. I mean, it definitely was funny at some parts.
I was under the impression that the parents were actors, but if they weren't, their actions were despicable. If anything, I was more offended by his "nutritionist" that helped him purge and his "carbocide." I get that the entire movie was meant to offend people, but a lot of it was taken too far.
yup that scene was unbelievable - but i think the point of it was to show how utterly disgusting some people can be...maybe after seeing this movie that woman will see how f'd up she is and get help...or perhaps other mothers in the audience who think that way will think twice after watching everyone point and laugh and say how stupid this lady was....
All I can say is wow. I haven't seen the movie and probably won't, at least until it comes out on DVD. But when I was teaching my intro writing course at Hopkins on public health ethics, another student (a PhD English Lit guy) taught his writing class on "Playing the Fool." They studied things from Shakespeare to Larry the Cable Guy to (yes, indeed) Borat. The premise of their essays were interesting, as the entire object was to determine who was more foolish: the fool (such as Borat or Bruno, in this case) or the other people (such as the unwitting participants in the movie). It's an interesting way to look at things.
Wow, that's horrible!!!! I'm the mother of a beautiful 3 year old and can not imagine what that lady was thinking! I would never do that to my little Annie! Personally, I'm not into movies where the main point is to offend people, but this goes too far! Thanks for the review, i will for sure skip this one!
I really don't want to see this movie. I'm so glad to read this, because my friends keep wanting me to go see it. Now I KNOW that I don't want to waste my money and time. Seriously, the preview looked so dumb I made up my mind right away. I'm not easily offended, so I don't know if it would actually offend me, but I know for sure that I would be totally bored and disgusted.
I'm sorry you had to go through that!
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