A striking example of how humour can manipulate

Rating: 1/10 (7 December 2006)

I won't pretend that this movie wasn't humorous and I think few people would. This actor can be truly funny, the problem is that when this type of humour is repeated and taken too far you get the feeling something is wrong and start feeling uncomfortable. I think there's a limit between being humorous and disgusting, between being critical and offensive... and this movie crossed this line in the most evident way.
OK, so during the first part of the movie I must admit having a really good laugh at some of the jokes. Although already faced with a few sexual and "toilet" jokes that were out of place, I could still rate the movie as entertaining. That until the naked scene, which left me with my stomach turned and staring at the ceiling...One of the most vulgar and disgusting scenes I've ever seen. What was the need of including something like that and at such a lengtht??
And practically what does this film base its humour on? Revealing the worst in people without their consent and have the others laughing in shock at their narrowmindness and stupidity? On depicting men as being led by disgusting instincts in everything they do, showing practically no respect for any human value? On how far you can go shocking people with your triviality: the recipe "Shock with grossfulness and you'll make people laugh". Was it trying to ironise people's hidden faults and thoughts? If so the manner is simply terrible and disgusting. Social satire is one thing, while vulgar, mean spirited and deceptive pranks are not showing any true insight into the human condition.
What intrigues me most is how this movie is so manipulative, not only with the people starring in it, but also towards the viewers. I was shocked to see how over 50% of the voters gave this a 10. I believe it proves how humour can be manipulative, as under the euphoria of some good jokes people tend to accept all the others as good entertainment. I wonder how many would still find the naked scenes and the toilet jokes funny if being faced ONLY with them. I believe (and hope) that much fewer.
I only found out it was interdicted to under 18s when the movie started. That alone should have been a signal to document about the movie a bit before, but unfortunately even the trailer doesn't really predict the vulgarity of the movie, including only the most humorous scenes. Coming out of the cinema I could only think how suggestive the title of the movie was...In Romanian "Borat" resembles extremely well with the word "puke".