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Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Review By: Colin Edelman
ColinEdelman@TheCinemaSource.com

The path from television to the big screen is not an easy one. Charlie’s Angels (2000), Dukes of Hazard (2005) and even Sacha Baron Cohen’s first theatrical (although not in the US) spin off, Ali G Indahouse (2002) were all hit or miss. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan proves there’s possibility for success after all. Cohen plays Borat Sagdiyev, the ultimate fish out of water, armed with a slew of sex and race jokes that only an immigrant could get away with.

I was fearful. How could a sketch that normally runs for five minutes last a full hour and half? Director Larry Charles knows what he is doing. He sets the movie as a road trip, with each pit stop providing Borat and his manager, Azamat Bagatov (Ken Davitian) an opportunity to question American culture. There are very few pauses in between the episodes that make up Borat, which for a comedy, is a blessing. Cohen already has proven himself hilarious as Borat on Da Ali G Show and extends this service to the filmgoer. The title says it all, as a news reporter, Borat is sent to America to film a documentary. His culture shock, fueled by his broken English and an unfaltering Eastern European accent, seem to justify the ridiculous questions and situations he places on each person he encounters. Prostitutes aren’t invited to dinner parties? I must be hanging out with the wrong type of people.

Immigrant humor is not a new topic, and it’s one that the Marx Brothers (dare I say) perfected in the early 20th century with a countless number of films (with Duck Soup (1933) around the top of the list). Using an outsider’s standpoint, the comedian can question the values that the host country takes for granted. Just to name a few: laws, etiquette, and attire, which all have norms for specific cultures. Seeing the respective norms for opposing cultures clash often results in laughs. Normally an example would fit nicely right here, but as one opposed to giving away plot or jokes, I’ll provide an example from the Marx brothers.

It can be argued that the greatest obstacle between immigrants and natives is the language barrier. Cohen, like the Marx brothers, knows this and tests the strangers he encounters with his mock naiveté of the English language. Herein lies the different between the aforementioned comedians; Borat is persistent on having a pussy magnet installed in his new car, while Groucho Marx as Rufus T. Firefly in Duck Soup has the following exchange with Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont):
Mrs. Teasdale: “As chairman of the reception committee, I welcome you with open arms.”
Rufus T. Firefly: “Is that so? How late do you stay ...