The Borat Movie

[pete]

they had a pretty good interview with sasha baron cohen not in character a while ago.  that was pretty cool.  I don't think stern is good at dealing with someone putting him on, he always freaks out when some politician patronizes him, he likes being the one in control and making the jokes.  I mean most of these borat interviews involve the interviewers playing along and feeding him punchlines.  stern can't handle that with as much class as your conan or letterman.

[Kal]

the part where stern said "did your country go around and help the nazis to kill all the jews?" was pretty sad. shows how feeble and empty his idea of humour is. and you can see a little tiny piece of stern understands it's the dumbest possible thing to say immediately after he says it in his body language. he would either ask hideous questions or repeat/explain what borat had just said.

I did not see this, but take in consideration that both Stern and Cohen are JEWISH. So maybe there was something else behind it.

i bet you picolas already knew stern and cohen are JEWISH. pretty much everyone in the universe knows they are JEWISH.

as I said, I didnt see it so I have no idea what was it about... just mentioning that.

[MacGuffin]

Russia may block release of 'Borat'

A government agency said it would refuse to grant permission for Sacha Baron Cohen's controversial comedy "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" to be shown in theaters in neighboring Russia, its distributor here said Thursday.

The Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography said the film could offend some viewers and contained material that "might seem disparaging in relation to certain ethnic groups and religions," according to Vadim Ivanov, theatrical sales director at Twentieth Century Fox C.I.S.

Ivanov said he hoped the agency would relent and that the film will premiere in Russia as scheduled on Nov. 30. "Borat" was the top movie in the United States in its debut last weekend, pulling in $26.5 million.

The agency informed the company in a letter that it would not grant the permission required to show the film in theaters, but later said the decision was not official, Ivanov noted. "This story is not over," he said.

Ivanov said he was unaware of an instance in which Russian authorities have banned a non-pornographic movie. Officials at the government agency did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.

The raucous, satiric "Borat" pokes fun at Americans through the guise of Cohen's Kazakh TV journalist character he originated on TV in his "Da Ali G Show." The spoof documentary follows Cohen's Borat on a cross-country trip to report back to his homeland on American culture.

The character suggests Kazakhs drink horse urine, view prostitution, rape and incest as respectable, and are openly anti-Semitic.

Russia has close political ties with Kazakhstan, whose officials — and citizens — have seethed at the depiction of their country.

The move comes as Kremlin critics accuse President Vladimir Putin's government of restricting freedoms and tightening control over society. Amid a growing wave of extreme nationalism and hate crimes, it appears to reflect efforts by Russian authorities — long accused of turning a blind eye — to show that they are cracking down on intolerance.

[MacGuffin]

'Borat' tries on a suit
2 sue over depiction in Cohen laffer
Source: Variety

"Borat" has sparked its first lawsuit from its unsuspecting stars.

Two U. of South Carolina frat boys who make sexist and racist comments in the pic sued 20th Century Fox and the "Borat" producers on Thursday, claiming they were drunk at the time they signed a release to appear in the film.

They also claim the producers assured them that the movie they'd appear in would never be shown in the U.S.

Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and demand that Fox to pull "Borat" from theaters.

Never identified by name in "Borat," the pair did not give their names in the lawsuit for fear of further public humiliation. But their attorney, Oliver Taillieu, said the main issue is fraud.

"If you watch the movie, one of then can barely keep his eyes open," he said. "It's pretty obvious to me that these guys did not know what they were getting into."

A rep for Fox, whose lawyers are still reviewing the suit, commented, "The lawsuit has no merit."

According to the lawsuit, the "Borat" crew first found the plaintiffs at their frat house, looking to select people for the film. The three who were chosen were then taken to a bar "to loosen up" over drinks. "After a while of heavy drinking by the plaintiffs," they were presented a consent agreement "to sign in order to be able to use plaintiffs in 'a documentary-style film' which as defendants described would only be shown in Europe and would never be shown in the United States."

Taillieu said he had not seen the forms his clients signed as they turned over the only copies to the "Borat" production staff when they shot the scene.

In the finished film, one of the fraternity boys complains about how "minorities have all the power." They also insult women while consoling Borat after he discovers that the object of his affection, Pamela Anderson, has appeared in a sex video.

"The depiction created by the defendants were offensive and objectionable to plaintiffs and to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities in that it made plaintiffs the objects of ridicule, humiliation (and) loss of reputation."

Asked if his clients would have been satisfied had "Borat" screened only in Europe, as their suit claims they believed when they signed the releases, Taillieu replied, "I mean they would have had a problem with how they were depicted, but none of their friends would have seen it, none of their future employers would have seen it. The damage is in the setup."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kazakh comedy blitz triples Fox pleasure
Studio expands 'Borat' to 2,566 engagements

Fox expands 'Borat' to 2,566 engagements this weekend.

Fox is getting a do-over of sorts this weekend on its left-field hit "Borat."

After dramatically slashing the number of prints on the pic for its opening frame, Fox still wound up at No. 1. Now the studio will expand the R-rated pic to 2,566 engagements to try and mop up any B.O. bucks it missed by cutting its print count.

Studio, meanwhile, sends its "A Good Year" into a frame filled with arty pics, which include an expansion of "Babel" and the lit comedy "Stranger Than Fiction."

With "Borat" the frontrunner for the frame, Fox feels that, with word of mouth swelling, pic will play as well outside the primo urban centers where it raked in huge per-playdate numbers last frame. With "Borat" taking in over $3 million on Monday and Tuesday, pic should easily fend off any competish to land at No. 1 again.

"Borat" will also likely prevail on the foreign front after a socko international launch of $18.6 million at only 993 playdates in 17 markets last weekend, with U.K. auds accounting for nearly two-thirds of that total.

Fox, meanwhile, will be shooting for more urbane auds with Ridley Scott's "A Good Year," the story of a London trader who opts out of the fast lane for life at an inherited chateau.

Pic, starring Russell Crowe and going into 2,066, is tracking slightly better with females over 25. But it's one of a handful of pics heading into the fall fray this frame that will try to tempt upscale auds.

Paramount Vantage has "Babel," the starry ensemble pic that will move from 35 to 1,251 playdates.

Pic, which has taken in $5.2 million in two limited release frames, will roll out in fewer engagements than "Year" and Sony's "Stranger" but may be able to draw more interest with a cast that includes Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Gael Garcia Bernal.

Sony will bow "Stranger," starring Will Farrell as a man who finds his fate dictated by a novelist, on 2,264.

Studio previously handled a similarly arty litpic, "Adaptation," which it bowed in limited release in 2002. But Sony sees "Stranger" as having broader appeal.

"This film is far more accessible to a wider audience," Sony distribution prexy Rory Bruer said. "It's still smart and fresh, but in every screening, audiences have embraced the film."

MGM rolls out the gritty cop drama "Harsh Times" in 956 precincts. Pic played Sundance this year.

Limited-release sector, rife with fall awards hopefuls already, gets even more crowded this frame with platform bows of MGM's "Copying Beethoven," Roadside Attractions' "Come Early Morning," Picturehouse's "Fur" and ThinkFilm's "F*ck" all joining the specialty scene.

Also overseas, Fox's long-running hit "The Devil Wears Prada" will continue to draw well. As of Wednesday, international grosses had surpassed $154 million, and the worldwide total was nearing $280 million.

Fox is going day-and-date with "A Good Year" in Germany, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey. Russell Crowe drama has performed mildly in the U.K. but took second in Spain last weekend with $1.2 million.

Sony is expanding "Open Season," which already has $54.5 million overseas and $136 million worldwide, into Germany, Spain and Scandinavia. UIP's making a major push this weekend for sci-fi thriller "Children of Men," launching in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. "Men," which won't open Stateside until Christmas, has cumed $18 million in 10 markets, with half of that in the U.K.

Other launches include "Babel" in Mexico, "The Departed" in Brazil and Denmark, "Flags of Our Fathers" in Greece and Italy, "The Prestige" in the U.K. and "You, Me and Dupree" in France and Italy. "Dupree" has topped $48 million overseas for UIP and $123 million worldwide.

[MacGuffin]

Borat on Leno (Part 1):


Borat on Leno (Part 2):


Borat on Leno w/ Martha Stewart (Part 3):

[Ravi]

"The depiction created by the defendants were offensive and objectionable to plaintiffs and to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities in that it made plaintiffs the objects of ridicule, humiliation (and) loss of reputation."

Asked if his clients would have been satisfied had "Borat" screened only in Europe, as their suit claims they believed when they signed the releases, Taillieu replied, "I mean they would have had a problem with how they were depicted, but none of their friends would have seen it, none of their future employers would have seen it. The damage is in the setup."

I bet they're insufferable even when sober.

[Kal]

Borat on Leno (Part 1):


Borat on Leno (Part 2):


Borat on Leno w/ Martha Stewart (Part 3):

FUCKING GOOTUBE... they removed them because of copyright issues... they fucked up YouTube

[pete]

I thought they've always done it.

[Gold Trumpet]

By far the funniest movie I have ever seen.

Like some people have said, some scenes weren't that great, but they were few and far between. And in the end, they were necessary because I was laughing so much I needed some time to rest myself. The film is in your face with humor and yet also subtle with other parts. I saw it twice today and noticed more things on my second viewing. The gut instinct of laughing til I burst held up but the movie is beyond offensive. The ending with Pamela Anderson, I felt, crossed a line. But I think that was the point anyways. God, why analyze this? It was fucking beauty.

I saw 40 Year Old Virgin 6 times in theaters. That movie was half the comic genius as this one. Thus I see this one 7 times! (at least)

[xerxes]

I saw 40 Year Old Virgin 6 times in theaters. That movie was half the comic genius as this one. Thus I see this one 7 times! (at least)

By my calculation, I think you have to see it 12 times.

[ASmith]

I have seen all of Sacha Baron Cohen's work prior to "Borat" and went into the movie expecting to laugh, but not be blown away.  After all, it's been two years or so since we last saw any new material.  Factor in the media blitz (I watched or heard him doing practically the same material several times over on: Leno, Letterman, Conan, Stern, Opie & Anthony, Adam Carolla Show) and "more Borat" was the last thing I thought I needed.  To any fans of SBC who might have the same mindset that I had and are on the fence about seeing "Borat" in the theater please take my advice and see this film ASAP.  I was laughing harder than anyone in the theater, almost to the point of embarrassment. 



***SPOILER******SPOILER******SPOILER***







Remember the scene when Borat pulled over in the bad neighborhood and tried to make friends with those thuggish youths, and later tried to book a room in the hotel speaking in his newly learned urban vernacular?  Did anyone else hear that scene as Borat channeling Ali G?  I thought of it as a nice treat to hear what was essentially Borat's Ali G impression.  Maybe he'll start doing a new combo character Ali B?






***SPOILER******SPOILER******SPOILER***

[grand theft sparrow]

I saw 40 Year Old Virgin 6 times in theaters. That movie was half the comic genius as this one. Thus I see this one 7 times! (at least)

By my calculation, I think you have to see it 12 times.

Oh, leave him alone!  It's the first movie he liked in forever!

I've been thinking about this film, and though I found it pretty funny, it really needed more attention to detail. It's completely unbelievable as a documentary, unlike Spinal Tap or Bad News. It constantly changes gears between mockumentary and straightforward comedy, leaving a bit of a nasty taste in the mouth.

I'll give you that the characters are more believable in Spinal Tap than Borat but does Borat really need to be 100% believable as a documentary?  The bookends in Kazakhstan and the "I must find Pam Anderson" subplot feel more like Wayne's World than something like Spinal Tap but, with the exception of those, it is almost entirely more believable.

It blurs the lines between mockumentary, documentary, and straightforward comedy.  Proof of that is found in all the articles "exposing" what's real and what's not.  The laughability of the lawsuits adds to the fun, spilling the movie into the real world in some strange way and further blurring those lines.  Maybe it leaves a bit of a nasty taste in your mouth but the end result is that you still found it funny.  Personally, I think that's what made it so great.  I lament the fact that Cohen kind of closed the book on this and no one will be able to do it as effectively.   

Showing frat boys to be brash morons and rednecks to be racist xenophobes is like shooting fish in a barrel.

If you've ever seen Jim Breuer or Larry the Cable Guy, you'd know it's not so easy to make it funny.

[The Perineum Falcon]

Apparently, just cause GT likes Borat, doesn't mean everyone else does:

Is niiice.... NOT

[MacGuffin]

Now Romanians Say 'Borat' Misled Them

The name of this remote Romanian village means "mud," and that's exactly what angry locals are throwing at comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.

Cohen used Glod's Gypsies as stand-ins for Kazakhs in his runaway hit movie, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." Now offended villagers are threatening to sue the film's producers for paying them a pittance to put farm animals in their homes and perform other crude antics.

Residents and local officials in the hardscrabble hamlet 85 miles northwest of Bucharest said Tuesday they were horrified and humiliated to learn their abject poverty and simple ways were ridiculed for a movie now raking in millions at box offices worldwide.

"We thought they came here to help us not mock us," said Dana Luca, 40, sweeping a manure-stained street lined with shabby homes of crumbling brick and corrugated iron sheeting.

"We haven't got anything here. We haven't got running water. We can't even bathe," she said. "We are poor people, but we are still people."

Nicolae Staicu, leader of the 1,670 Gypsies, or Roma, who eke out a living in one of the most impoverished corners of Romania, said he and other officials would meet with a public ombudsman on Wednesday to map out a legal strategy against Cohen and "Borat" distributor 20th Century Fox.

Staicu accused the producers of paying locals just $3.30-$5.50, misleading the village into thinking the movie would be a documentary, refusing to sign proper filming contracts and enticing easily exploited peasants into performing crass acts.

Only five villagers have jobs at a nearby sanatorium and a stone quarry, Staicu said. The rest weave baskets, grow apples, pears and plums, gather mushrooms in the dense Carpathian Mountain forests rising above the town, or raise a few scrawny chickens.

With no gas heating or indoor plumbing, most keep warm with wood stoves and drink from wells. Horse-drawn carts far outnumber automobiles on unpaved, badly potholed roads, and mangy stray dogs growl and snap at strangers. Acrid fires smolder in trash piles on the outskirts of the village, and children their clothing worn and torn play in yards littered with stumps, scrap metal and other bric-a-brac.

"These people are poor and they were tricked by people more intelligent than us," he said. "They took one of our 75-year-old ladies, put huge silicone breasts on her and said she was 47. Another man they filmed to look like the poorest person in the world, and one of our men who is missing an arm had a plastic sex toy taped to his stump."

"We are suing because they were not truthful," added Staicu, who said he saw parts of "Borat" and was disgusted.

"They did not film reality," he said. "We've really had enough of this."

Neither Cohen's agent in London nor 20th Century Fox's offices in Los Angeles immediately returned phone messages Tuesday from The Associated Press.

The mood in Glod, meanwhile, was tense and volatile, with crowds of angry, shouting villagers repeatedly gathering around reporters.

One man was seen slapping his sister, who had appeared in the film, and slamming the gate to his ramshackle home shut to keep her from being interviewed. At another point, a resident threatened news photographers with a stick, and another pelted their car with rocks.

People in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, where the mustachioed Cohen's character hails from as a TV journalist on an adventure across America, also have decried how they are depicted in the film, whose opening scenes were shot in Glod.

Two members of a fraternity at a South Carolina university who appear making drunken, insulting comments about women and minorities also are suing 20th Century Fox and three production companies, claiming the crew liquored them up in a bar before filming and told them the movie would not be shown in the United States.

Not everyone in Glod is upset. Sorina Luca, 25, excitedly described how she was given $3.30 to bring a pig into her home and let the producers put a toy rifle into the hands of her 5-year-old daughter for one scene.

"I really liked it," she said. "We are poor and miserable. Nothing ever happens here."

But a 23-year-old woman who gave her name only as Irina said she felt bewildered and dismayed that Glod's poverty was reduced to a parody.

The smash success of "Borat," she said, just rubbed salt in Glod's collective wounds.

The film remained the No. 1 weekend draw at U.S. movie theaters for a second week, grossing $28.3 million, according to the latest figures released Monday.

"They made us put a cow in our living room, and they made it defecate and urinate in the house. Everyone's angry because they didn't pay them the way they should have," she said.

"They're making a lot of money but they've made us a laughing stock."

[modage]

SPOILERS!

"These people are poor and they were tricked by people more intelligent than us," he said. "They took one of our 75-year-old ladies, put huge silicone breasts on her and said she was 47. Another man they filmed to look like the poorest person in the world, and one of our men who is missing an arm had a plastic sex toy taped to his stump."

yep, thats comedy.