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The Social Critic - November 2006

No Jokes, Film meets Politics.

November 27th 2006 23:44
Borat in Cologne
Image courtesy of Michael Bulcik (SKS Soft)
As Earth moves closer to the Mars every 500 years or so, the film industry circles closer and closer to heart of public unrest - politics. Like ships in the night, every so often film and international politics collide. In 1940, Hitler endorsed " Der ewige Jude" (The Eternal Jew), an intensely racist film that was the first of many politically-driven motion pictures. In 1963 came "Le Petit Soldat" (The Small Soldier), a romance detailing French independence in the Algerian War inspired french patriotic film and now, following in the footsteps of Fahrenheit 9/11, is another spate of inspired film. One filmmaker, however, chooses to be different.


The official website of Borat is designed with the obvious intention of making it appear as a developing nation's immigration website. It does not, however, serve to alienate visitors. The façade comes complete with a weather report and the latest news for 'tourists' stating: "Friday: Clear, Rain -2". The humour is light but applied liberally – though the narrative is a concoction of sharp wit and vulgarity, the film is frequently undercut by a serious social commentary.

So why is he so popular? The film – having already opened in the U.S., Canada and now Australia as of last week – features incest, prejudice, bawdiness and downright immorality. Or have I just made too much of it? Checkmate – Borat. Sasha Cohen's latest work questions society about its reservations, isocial typecasts and prejudices. Borat – Like Ali G – is a friendly reminder that multiculturalism shares its border with racism and bigotry. Society needs to relax. Mockumentary has been around for decades, but is the trend starting to gain momentum? Only time will tell but Borat – whatever the box office popularity – is destined for great things.

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Comment by KylieW

November 28th 2006 00:31


Celebrity Obsession
I loved hearing about the frat boys who are looking to sue the production company because they were told that the movie wouldn't be aired in the US, so they felt comfortable spouting off their racist attitudes. But, now that it's being shown in the US they think that's unfair. So, racism is okay......as long as people in your own country don't know about it?? Please!

I really like the comment that multiculturalism shares its border with racism and bigotry. Very true!

KylieW

Comment by Anonymous

November 28th 2006 01:33
Ya, i saw the premier of borat on the red carpet and even met the guy and was taken off by surprise as I was walking down the street and walked into the whole commotion of the ordeal of the red carpet premier on george! the guy is funny, but the things he says and the way he is demoting a nation of people by his demeanor and decorum is just out right unacceptable. i mean, he better give some of the money share from the profit of this mockumentary he has created to the government of kazackistan to build them up or to help them out. because, clearly it is wrong to rise on someones fall! now that i think about it, i should of SPAT on his face when i met him for him to feel how the kazaks feel after he used them in his plot to make money...

Comment by Anonymous

November 28th 2006 05:53
Well said Anthony, ‘Borat’ is certainly a refreshing change to the increasingly stale genre of political/social film. In response to the hypersensitive ‘anonymous’ comment - it is interesting that it seems the only people offended by this film happen to be middle class Westerners. Even a small knowledge of the cultural landscape of Kazakhstan would demonstrate that Sasha Baron Cohen’s portrayal of Borat is in fact a generalized characterization of Russian immigrants in Kazakhstan. The character of Borat is no more an ethnic Kazakh than Ian Thorpe. Now, I understand that this does not remove your racial complaint, but if you are going to be outraged on behalf of someone, at least know who it is. Besides, The Kazakhstani Government has increased its tourism department considerably – as a result of this film.

Comment by postmoderncritic

November 28th 2006 08:38


Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I don't understand why people are singing this movie's praises. I found it very underdeveloped as a satire, and the only part I found genuinely amusing was seeing a picture of David Hasselhoff going up in flames.

Comment by AnthonyB

November 28th 2006 23:06
Hey, I loved that too, Kylie. Why didn't I mention it in the post? I thought it was a hoot. There's certainly a lot of racism in the world - only now its socially unacceptable to be prejudiced. Less interestingly, there are a lot of idiots in the world. I think that's what it boils down to and society confirms it when stuff like that happens. DId you hear about the kids in Werribee (Australia) who published and sold a DVD? It had footage of 12 young adults sexually abusing a mentally challenged girl and setting fire to homeless people. It makes me sick. They'll never contribute anything worthwhile to society - perhaps they should be hung...

Comment by AnthonyB

November 28th 2006 23:19
That's an interesting comment, Anonymous who should have spat. I'm not sure Sacha Cohen intended to profit off of publicising Kazakhstan. You have a valid point - some people will percieve the film in such a way; that all Kazaks are bigots and mysogynists. But it seems to me that Borat is really just exposing the issues we have with things we may not understand. To have a stranger ask you such personal, offensive and ill-natured comments is confronting - and I think there is a lot we can learn from that. Tolerance mainly. Watch it again, and keep this in mind - maybe you'll see it different.

Thanks for posting !!

Comment by AnthonyB

November 28th 2006 23:33
Very clever Anonymous number 2. You seem to understand the film to the letter. How many times have you seen it? This is for everyone to answer - is Mel Gibson more or less racist than Borat, and furthermore, is Tom Cruise more radical than our beloved Kazakhstani hero?

You've made some fantastic points. But a lot of people didn't know Kazakhstan was a country prior to this movie. That would explain why many believe Sacha Cohen's portayal of the Kazak is a distasteful attempt at authenticity. To put in perspective, the U.S' international standing has been severely affected by anti-american propaganda - no more so than in Australia. Yet the world still believes the two nations couldn't be more compatible.

If we all made more of an effort to understand what we find strange or confronting, we would be on our way to creating international-social cohesion. It isn't rocket science. It's social science - something we should all be familar with.

Comment by AnthonyB

November 28th 2006 23:53
Yes, PostModernCritic, it does appeal to our basest senses. But isn't that the point? If Borat utilised dry, British humour, something (everything) would be lost in the intended message. It isn't supposed to be for the afficionados of culture and art - this picture is for everyone because it includes everyone (by that, i mean people with different beliefs, morals, sensibilities, cultures, etc).

I do understand your point, and I myself love watching more subtle film. But this truly is as solid film for those who can look past special effects, ingenious storylines and specific genres.

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