Bruno: Offensive, Funny or Just Shocking?

By GRIT TV

July 17, 2009

» More

Sacha Baron Cohen's new film, Brüno, premiered in theaters on Friday to mixed reviews. Several were offended by the admittedly provocative antics of Cohen onscreen. But was it offending the wrong people?

Scores of people from the gay community have voiced their distaste for Cohen's depiction of homosexuals in the movie, fearing that his behavior perpetuates common stereotypes and strengthens homophobic tendencies. A scene where Bruno treats a baby like an accessory has especially angered some, in a time when the gay community is having difficulty gaining adoption rights.

Others disagree, saying Brüno's character is an obvious cartoon version of the ridiculous stereotypes that have been wrongly placed on homosexuals.

But in the end, Brüno is a comedy, so is it funny? And if so, do we laugh more from satire or sheer shock value?

Here to discuss these questions and more we have Richard Kim of The Nation, Antoine B. Craigwell of GBMNews.com, and Shawn Edwards, creator of www.iloveblackmovies.com and contributor at FoxTV.

About GRIT TV

GRITtv with Laura Flanders is a new, news and arts discussion show, available daily, in multiple formats, with interactivity and a positive take on what's going on. The show launched May 12, 2008. more...
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Blogs

» Editor's Cut

Investigative Reporting Costs Money | What a misunderstanding with some progressive allies says about funding journalism today.
Katrina vanden Heuvel
5 Comments

» The Notion

$75 and a Bus Ticket | After serving 28 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Donald Gates was released when DNA evidence pointed to another man. The government gave him 75 bucks and a bus ticket.
Greg Kaufmann
19 Comments

» EnviroNation

U.S. delegation brings COP15 negotiations to a halt. | Progress on REDD. But little hope for forests without greater rich country commitments on emissions cuts and finance.
Robert S. Eshelman
12 Comments

» The Dreyfuss Report

McCain Rejects Quetta Attack | As in 2008, the Arizona senator -- on this one issue at least -- is more dovish than Obama.
Robert Dreyfuss
11 Comments

» The Beat

Dr. Howard Dean: Scrap Reid's Compromise | Former DNC chair dismisses Senate bill as it now stands as "essentially the collapse of health care reform."
John Nichols
80 Comments

» Altercation

Slacker Monday | Tuvalu is sinking; the uncaring Joe Lieberman.
Eric Alterman