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December 04, 2006
Thoughts on Borat
Well we saw Borat over the weekend. Now maybe it's because I've seen so much of the hype, but I didn't find it as offensive or as funny as I thought it would be. Maybe I just don't offend that easily. Maybe if I had gone in knowing nothing about the premise I might have had more fun, but maybe I just see Cohen's as a bit of a one trick pony.
Don't get me wrong, it had some laughs, some pretty good laughs, but not the oh-my-gawd-I-can't-catch-my-breath kind of laughs.
And those people that are suing Cohen about their appearance? There was only one guy in the film who came off as a jerk and it had nothing to do with Borat, he just said some very racist and homophobic stuff without any prompting. (If you've seen the film, I'm talking about the guy at the rodeo) Other than that I thought most of the Americans came off as very gracious and helpful. Go fig. Maybe the lawsuits are just a way of getting a big fat check.
But it got the discussion going at our house about what is and isn't offensive humour and for me it's all about intent. I believe that the Borat film is all about how racism, sexism, homophobia and things like that are inherently ridiculous and therefore up for criticism. But if you take Cohen's jokes at face value and not as commentary, then I guess it is very offencive.
So I don't think I'll be running out to buy the DVD, but I am glad I did see it.
-gg
Posted by gadgetgirl at December 4, 2006 07:31 AM
Comments
the frat boys were total assholes, and the southern meal was filled with rascist overtones and people that were full of themselves. ah, the irony:)
Posted by: ryan at December 8, 2006 04:12 AM
Yeah, but I still feel that most of the people were very nice and welcoming.
I seem to remember most frat boys at ISU said stupid shit when they were drunk. They are a very classy bunch. (OK, now I'm being judgemental....)
Posted by: gadgetgirl at December 8, 2006 04:23 PM