Talks Backlash and Resurrecting Ali G
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Sacha Baron Cohen insists that his new film, "Ali G: Who Iz I?", is the last guerrilla comedy of its kind he will make, citing the risks and exhaustion from death threats, although he has made similar declarations before.
- The film aims to satirize extremism on both political sides and the dangers of "virtuous violence," blending serious social commentary with comedy, featuring Ali G and an ultraprogressive antagonist both played by Baron Cohen.
- Despite backlash accusing the film of outdated caricatures and cultural appropriation, Baron Cohen and his team emphasize the movie’s anti-racist intentions and highlight the involvement of Black writers and cultural consultants.
- The production faced significant challenges, including a costly and complex final scene shot continuously over multiple locations, and Baron Cohen personally absorbed financial losses to complete the film.
- Baron Cohen remains committed to provocative comedy as a way to address societal issues, though he acknowledges the toll it takes and expresses a desire to move on from these characters in the future.
