14 DAY TRIAL // The release of Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest mockumentary, “Bruno,” is just around the corner and several groups are already urging Universal and the British comedian to redo parts of it, or at least to consider what the film will do for a particular segment of the public. Consequently, they have taken to the media to express their concern as regards the film and whether it might actually be considered as encouraging homophobia – instead of the other way around.
As fans must know, “Bruno” is the story of an Austrian fashionista who makes his preferences no secret. At the same time, Cohen has always had a penchant for the most crude type of satire, so why so many civil rights organizations are now rather afraid of what this movie will do to the community is partly justified, several US media outlets point out. Still, even if Universal agreed to do anything about the film and perhaps cut or edit some of the potentially “offensive” scenes, or granted Cohen accepted so easily to do so, it would be rather late, now, in the eleventh hour.
“Some people in our community may like this movie, but many are not going to be OK with it. Sacha Baron Cohen’s well-meaning attempt at satire is problematic in many places and outright offensive in others.” Rashad Robinson, senior director for GLAAD, says in a statement. Brad Luna of the Human Rights Campaign agrees, and strongly believes the film should come accompanied by some form of disclaimer that would let audiences know from the start that what they’re about to see is to be regarded as a satire. “We strongly feel that Sacha Baron Cohen and Universal Pictures have a responsibility to remind the viewing public right there in the theater that this is intended to expose homophobia.” Luna says in a separate statement.
Of course, even if this gains momentum – which is most likely the case, judging by what happened when Baron Cohen released “Borat,” movie-oriented publications say – Universal will probably do little about it. When the movie studio agreed to do this with the outrageous but extremely appreciated British comedian, it probably knew very well that it was about to be bombarded with lawsuits and complaints: again, just like it happened with “Borat,” which still went on to be a hit at the box-office.
Speaking of lawsuits, we were telling you a short while back that they had already begun, when a woman accused Cohen of physical assault that led to permanent injuries, which, in turn, have confined her to a wheelchair or a walker for the rest of her life. Universal has already responded to the claims made in court papers, saying that the entire so-called “assault” had been captured on tape – and there was no assault to speak of.