By Erin Kelleher
A new movie hit theaters this weekend with more than the normal punch.
“Borat!,” a movie created by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen of “Da Ali G Show,” opened to both laughs and criticisms.
The movie stars Borat Sagdiyev, a fictional journalist from Kazakhstan. The character appeared on every episode of “Da Ali G Show,” conducting interviews with generally dimwitted people in the United Kingdom and the United States.
During the movie, Borat travels around the U.S. making a documentary with his producer Azamat.
Borat performs his usual routine of fooling people into believing in his character and eliciting priceless reactions from them when he makes comments that are not common in American society.
The movie contains one of the most incredibly disturbing fight scenes that may ever take place in a movie.
However, the scene is not gory, but will make stomachs turn for other reasons.
Another twisted component to the movie is the love storyline that includes a relentless quest for Pamela Anderson.
Throughout this journey the jokes never stop, and it’s amazing that the same idea continues to entertain, and remain unpredictable.
While “Borat!” is a comedy, some people who have viewed it or taken part in it are not laughing.
The movie has several controversies surrounding it, such as a ban that has taken place in Russia.
The State Movie Commission of Russia, Goskino, has denied public release clearance for the movie stating “insulting remarks toward some ethnic groups and religions” as the reason.
It is said that differences between the fictional character’s beliefs and those of people actually from Kazakhstan and the way of life in their country are so far off that it is maybe a satire of American views of the world.
Other controversies encircling the film involve people who were affected by being part of the movie.
A TV news producer from Jackson, Miss. lost her job as a result of lack of research when she unknowingly booked Borat for the local afternoon program.
Needless to say, Borat’s behavior during the interview shown on live TV was considered inappropriate and offensive. The producer was reportedly released early from her contract.
Some other victims of the movie include two fraternity brothers who have filed a lawsuit against “Borat!” as well as 20th Century Fox.
The lawsuit stated the film “made plaintiffs the object of ridicule, humiliation, mental anguish and emotional and physical distress, loss of reputation, goodwill and standing in the community.”
The movie has obviously been a success, opening at number one and raking in $26.4 million in revenues, but will the opening victories cover the costs that these disputes may induce?
Wait and see where the punch line of this joke lands.
