The Dictator Synopsis: The heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.
Genres: Comedy
Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen
Jason Mantzoukas
Anna Faris
Ben Kingsley
Megan Fox
John C. Reilly
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Running Time: 124 minutes
The Dictator Trailer
The Dictator Review
If you haven't heard of the 'Dictator's' arrival to town, you've been living under a rock. After all, he did apparently pour Kim Jong-Il's ashes on Ryan Seacrest's minty fresh tuxedo at the 2012 Oscars. Sacha Baron Cohen's latest addition to his portfolio of memorable characters stunningly has (wait for it) political inspirations as the man himself admitted during an interview with the BBC (the rarity of his appearances as himself in interviews is pure irony I must add). It fascinated me as to the research he's conducted, whilst most of us focus on the atrocities a dictator commits, he finds the comedy out of it, and it's not necessarily black comedy but things that are genuinely amusing about power abuse. Although not explicitly stated, some of this is inspired by true happenings (or rather, real rumours).
This man has a very twisted sense of humour but you cannot deny that he is a master of creating total hysteria. He continues to be crass, racist and lewd through his latest creation, General Aladeen. Yet, his ability to not only be an all-round comedian not confined to simple 'gross-out' or idiotic comedy but someone who can cleverly integrate and use his jokes in a timely manner is his greatest strength. Though, credit to the man's guts I have to say, even he could have foreseen the calls for his head that would have arisen following this or any other of his films. I can't say that it is difficult for anyone to be turned off by Baron Cohen's infuriating lack of decency and tact in most of these roles, but it is all about the mindset with which you approach this. He makes it very easy to laugh at but moreover, simple to treat in jest and in a mocking and harmless way, as long as you have the capability to do the same.
I felt he explored new territory in the likes of 'Borat', 'Bruno' and 'Ali G' even if it was playing on long-standing stereotypes that have been used so many times before. This did, if anything, feel like a re-hash of stereotypes and jokes to do with America, Arabs, terrorists and the lot (as per 'Borat'). There isn't much that breaks new ground in that sense, although what was refreshing was the way his character took a swipe at both Americans and Arabs simultaneously. And you gotta admit, he has his own original way of making the same old thing still hilarious. Trust me when I say whether or not you wish to, you will remember his gags.
I puzzle over why any actor would want to be involved alongside Baron Cohen in his films. As hilarious as they are, bad publicity coming their way is just about as inevitable as death. Supposedly, 'Borat' even caused a permanent fracture in Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock's relationship because of the former's involvement in the film ('Borat'). Supposedly. But being involved in this is something different and you will be recognised for having the gall to do it. And my respect and admiration goes out to both Ben Kingsley and Anna Faris for that.
Expect to smack your forehead a number of times in fits of laughter. I saw the trailer and said to myself, 'this is on my bucket list'. I suggest everyone do the same and decide whether they feel similarly before showing up at the box office.
0 comments:
Post a Comment