But the movie still turns out to be a hit at the box-office

Jul 13, 2009 14:42 GMT  ·  By
“Bruno” generates mixed reactions after opening in the US over the weekend
   “Bruno” generates mixed reactions after opening in the US over the weekend

Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest mockumentary “Bruno” opened in US theaters this Friday and, over the weekend, it has proved that it stands to become a serious “Borat” contender in terms of box-office gross. Still, that does not mean that the film is necessarily good in terms of tackling the topic it takes aim of, namely that of exposing homophobia, GLAAD believes, as reported by USA Today.

The organization points out in a new statement that the movie fails short of attaining its initial aims, bordering instead on the offensive. While this is not the first time that the rights group picks on “Bruno” for several topics tackled in the movie, it is a first in terms of plain-out saying that the film “encourages negative stereotypes” that will end up harming the community in the sense of “decreasing the public’s comfort.” The film, GLAAD states, while advertised as a comedy / mockumentary, will undoubtedly do away with the many efforts the organization has put in throughout the years.

Universal, on the other hand, begs to differ: “Bruno” is a comedy and should only be seen as such. If GLAAD or any other organization finds offense with it, it’s not because either the movie studio or main star Sacha Baron Cohen meant it that way, reads a statement coming from Universal.

“While any work that dares to address relevant cultural sensitivities might be misinterpreted by some or offend others, we believe the overwhelming majority of the audience will understand and appreciate the film’s inarguably positive intentions, which we’ve seen demonstrated whenever we have shown it.” Universal states.

As this controversy is raging on, and the public is still divided as what to believe about the Austrian fashionista who could almost be lovable if he weren’t so shameless and potentially offensive, as critics have referred to it, “Bruno” is killing all competition at the box-office. Figures show that the mockumentary pulled $30.4 over the opening weekend in the US, well over Cohen’s previous hit, “Borat.” Moreover, estimates have it that Bruno will actually become more famous and lucrative than Borat.