Monday Morning Quarterback

By BOP Staff

July 13, 2009

Where is his neck?

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Max Braden: They should be very pleased given that this is following Borat, which readied audiences for the shock factor. To me the character also seemed late in the game, like something Howard Stern would have done 15 years ago (his MTV Movie Awards appearance seemed like a repeat of Stern's Fartman appearance in 1992). And I really think the character's attitude was a factor; Borat creates havoc out of his innocent naivety while Bruno comes across as more contemptuous of others. Head to head, Borat's going to make more money, but $30 million for Bruno is a success.

For his next trick, why not team up with Michael Moore?

Kim Hollis: Should Sacha Baron Cohen continue doing these shock-umentaries or should he try to leverage his flavor of comedy into more conventional comedic roles?

Josh Spiegel: First of all, I'm not sure that we should be boxing Cohen into being solely a comedic actor. Obviously, he's a gifted comedian, but I think that he could just as easily embody a dramatic role as he does with a Bruno or a Borat. If he does decide to continue down the route of these mock/documentaries, what he needs to do is find fewer people who are in on the joke. The biggest flaw of the movie, in my opinion, is how many people were pretty aware of who Cohen really was. Cohen should stick to being creative and crazy, not giving people what they expect.

Brandon Scott: He will not give up doing these characters - it's who he is and what he does - but there is no question he will expand more into traditional comedic roles as well. The man is fearless. I have wondered aloud over the last several months what character he will next create, because his original three are all out in public awareness now. He knew that he had to cash in on an opportunity like this, but his career options are still limitless due to the respect he has earned in the industry and with fans. He's gonna be fine. *as he rolls over onto Isla Fisher*




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Reagen Sulewski: Obviously I can't speak for Cohen, but I have to expect that he's bored with this kind of thing now. Doing another shock movie because people expect it would be exactly why he's likely to look for greener pastures. The worst thing to happen to a comedian is to become predictable. In the sort of dramatic/comedic vein mentioned above, I could see him aiming for a Peter Sellers-esque career.

Max Braden: If he continues the repeats he could risk being labeled as someone with an agenda or axe to grind like Michael Moore. I think he could continue his success by using his style in more conventional comedies. A mix of Steve Martin's satire with Jim Carrey's absurd physical comedy.

Kim Hollis: I actually agree that he seems to have more range than just comedy. I found his small role in Sweeney Todd to be very well-done (though admittedly it was a flamboyant character). I wouldn't be surprised to see him explore his options and do some smaller stuff to establish his capabilities as an actor.


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