Opinions on "Borat"

[Cavaille-Coll]

This was a film that, frankly, I went to see just for the controversy. As a Catholic, I highly recommend that you DO NOT watch this film, especially if any young people are present. It was mildly funny in parts, and the infamous anti-Semitism served more to insult the stupidity of anti-Semitism than anything else, but the constant references and graphic depictions of homosexual activity and male nudity were sickening. I had to turn away, as one scene in which two naked men were wrestling was simply revolting. I suppose the intent was to insult so called “homophobes,” but it only reinforced my natural revulsion for that activity. Also, it was unnerving to realize that most of the people in the film were not paid actors but unknowing dupes who really believed him to be a Kazakh reporter. Partucularly offensive were the horrible things he said about certain villagers (actual Romanian villagers, by the way) whom he presumed did know know what he was saying. I concluded that whatever comic aspects the movie contained were far overshadowed by the offensive content. I’d be interested to hear other takes on this.

 

[DWPC]

I’ve seen Cohen’s HBO stuff. From luring outwardly “respectable” people to expose their ugly prejudices to exposing the pomposity of unsuspecting political figures, his “Borat” and Ali G" shticks were witty and incisive, though often pretty coarse.

From what I’ve read about the movie, though, it sounds like Cohen has really jumped into the sewer with both feet and is simply using poli-social commentary as cover for shock humor to cash in.

Too bad that *our *public tastes have declined so far in one generation that every humorist hoping for success must first satisfy the demand for ever increasing coarseness.

 

[Dale_M]

Here is the link to the other thread about Borat
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=117833

 

[Durendin]

This was a film that, frankly, I went to see just for the controversy. As a Catholic, I highly recommend that you DO NOT watch this film,

Do as I say, but don’t do as I do?

I have a whole list of films full of smut, violence and filth to watch so I too can see what other people need to be protected from.

 

[Belcanto]

This was a film that, frankly, I went to see just for the controversy. As a Catholic, I highly recommend that you DO NOT watch this film, especially if any young people are present. It was mildly funny in parts, and the infamous anti-Semitism served more to insult the stupidity of anti-Semitism than anything else, but the constant references and graphic depictions of homosexual activity and male nudity were sickening. I had to turn away, as one scene in which two naked men were wrestling was simply revolting. I suppose the intent was to insult so called “homophobes,” but it only reinforced my natural revulsion for that activity. Also, it was unnerving to realize that most of the people in the film were not paid actors but unknowing dupes who really believed him to be a Kazakh reporter. Partucularly offensive were the horrible things he said about certain villagers (actual Romanian villagers, by the way) whom he presumed did know know what he was saying. I concluded that whatever comic aspects the movie contained were far overshadowed by the offensive content. I’d be interested to hear other takes on this.

Cavaille-Coll,

Scroll down and read the other thread I’ve started on the topic. You can read mine and other posters’ opinions. My opinion on the film is similar to yours. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Catholics should stay away from it, though. What I would say is that if you’re easily bothered by scatalogical and sexual humor (as I admit I am), then Borat is best avoided.

Pax Tecum,
Jay

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

Do as I say, but don’t do as I do?

I have a whole list of films full of smut, violence and filth to watch so I too can see what other people need to be protected from.

I believe that it is more charitable to share what I have learned from my own mistakes than to simply keep my mouth shut when there is a danger that some people might prefer to avoid. I regret having filled my mind with those disgusting images, because they are very hard to remove, and many people will appreciate the heads up. It is rather presumptuous to insinuate that someone you’ve never met is a shameless hypocrite.

 

[Durendin]

It is rather presumptuous to insinuate that someone you’ve never met is a shameless hypocrite.

Perhaps what I was saying was overly harsh and I apologise for that. I wasn’t trying to hurt or offend you.

None the less I don’t think that many will blunder into this film not having much up front knowledge about the content. You yourself said that you heard about the controversy it caused? This sort of word of mouth seldom comes from no-where. Personally, I don’t think this film is worth the ticket price, but the scenes where people have been exposed for telling what they were really thinking only to find them revealed world wide? Certainly a lesson for us all.

 

[Liberalsaved]

Saw it, loved it. Great satire.

 

[THutch04]

I guess I would just caution that it IS really offensive, and if you don’t like that kind of humor, then it’s a movie you shouldn’t see.