Mockumentary

Last night I watched the 2009 comedy film Bruno, directed by Larry Charles. Basically it's a fake documentary (or "mockumentary") about flamboyantly gay, Austrian fashion designer Bruno (played by Sasha Baron Cohen) who travels to the USA in order to become famous. The movie is very similar in style to Cohen's 2006 film Borat, as Bruno manages to baffle or aggravate everyone he comes into contact with (many of whom were not in on the joke). The film is not for the easily offended and although it's a short film and contains many hilarious moments, it does run out of steam towards the end. The problem is that because Cohen's comedy style is almost the same in this as it is in Borat and the Ali G TV series it doesn't have the same impact that it once did. Although you have to admire Cohen for the fact that he manages to get away with as much as he does.

After that I saw a 1999 movie called A Room for Romeo Brass, directed by Shane Meadows. The movie is set in Nottingham, England and tells the story of two 12 year old boys, Gavin Woolley (Ben Marshall) and Romeo Brass (Andrew Shim) who are best friends until they are rescued from bullies by the eccentric but likeable loner Morrell (Paddy Considine). Morrell befriends the boys partly because he has a crush on Romeo's older sister. However the friendship is threatened after Morell reveals a violent side. The movie starts off as a gritty but engaging coming of age comedy but suddenly turns into much darker territory. The movie is well-made with a lot of strong performances. It is also interesting and entertaining enough.

It was another really dull day at work today, and not particularly good. I was very glad to get back home, which I usually am.