Make Nice with Sexytime Review

With all the hype surrounding Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, I was expecting a mediocre film with little to no content. What I got was a mediocre film with at least some content. We all have viewed films like this before, whether it is the brilliance of This Is Spinal Tap or Jackass, and we love them regardless of the filmic qualities. Borat brings the viewer into the realm of comedian Sascha Baron Cohen and his creation, Borat.

The film follows Borat as he travels to America to discover and bring back to Kazakhstan the secrets of our happiness. Although starting in New York, his love of Pamela Anderson takes Borat on a cross country trip to propose marriage to his American dream. Along the way, Borat tries to learn the way in which Americans live. This leads to the hiring of an African American escort to accompany him to a Southern style religious dinner and drinking with some good ole’ frat boys. Each encounter brings the viewer to the edge of disgust and humor. We laugh because these people are truly hilarious, but we cringe because they are not actors playing a role, they are just people living their lives. There are some great parts in Borat, especially those revolving around Cohnen’s use of language. One particular scene I found enjoyable was his discussion with the rodeo promoter before Borat destroys the National Anthem. Is it good we can laugh at ourselves? Yes, but Borat is not about laughing out ourselves. It is about the cultural criticism of the masses. I am proud to be an American, but ashamed at the type of people Borat ferrets out.

If we discuss the film as art, we may found more beneficial criticism. This is definitely a satire on par with A Modest Proposal, yet not so tongue-in-cheek. The art really relies on Cohen’s ability to coerce people into being themselves. It is funny that many of the participants are suing Cohen now that film is a success. I cannot wait to hear those arguments, “Yes I know I said that but I was just kidding. It’s his fault for lying to me.” I am that will get someone some money. The best thing about Borat is Borat. The character is so precise that anyone could easily fall into his trap. One of the more telling moments of the film comes when Borat is rejected by Pamela Anderson and he retreats to his American Dream, the escort. I guess this could also be labeled a romantic comedy.

I did enjoy Borat, but it only leaves a minor impression. The concept and the follow through were spot on, but that still does not make this film one of the best films I have viewed. Unfortunately, Borat may just fill a cultural niche that will soon be passed by. I do hope that Cohen makes tons of money from this, because he deserves every penny for putting his health and safety on the line. Maybe we can give him danger pay and an autograph from Pamela.