Sacha Baron Cohen: The 60 Minutes Interview

Sacha Baron Cohen has made a career in Sacha Baron Cohen has made a career in entertainment out of rendering himself entertainment out of rendering himself entertainment out of rendering himself unrecognizable. unrecognizable. unrecognizable. As the lovable but ignorant Kazakhstani As the lovable but ignorant Kazakhstani As the lovable but ignorant Kazakhstani reporter Borat, the fashion and reporter Borat, the fashion and reporter Borat, the fashion and fame-obsessed narcissist Bruno, and the fame-obsessed narcissist Bruno, and the fame-obsessed narcissist Bruno, and the hip-hop idiot Ali G. Hilarious fools he hip-hop idiot Ali G. Hilarious fools he hip-hop idiot Ali G. Hilarious fools he deploys to trick real people into deploys to trick real people into deploys to trick real people into exposing their real beliefs. exposing their real beliefs. exposing their real beliefs. At 55, Baron Cohen has been doing his At 55, Baron Cohen has been doing his At 55, Baron Cohen has been doing his undercover comedy for more than half his undercover comedy for more than half his undercover comedy for more than half his life. In that time, the complexity, life. In that time, the complexity, life. In that time, the complexity, moral stakes, and physical danger moral stakes, and physical danger moral stakes, and physical danger entailed in his deceptions has entailed in his deceptions has entailed in his deceptions has increased. He sometimes requires increased. He sometimes requires increased. He sometimes requires trapdoors and getaway vans to escape the trapdoors and getaway vans to escape the trapdoors and getaway vans to escape the situations he's created. situations he's created. situations he's created. He's a rare combination, a He's a rare combination, a He's a rare combination, a mission-driven public intellectual and mission-driven public intellectual and mission-driven public intellectual and an adrenaline junkie who has invented an adrenaline junkie who has invented an adrenaline junkie who has invented his own genre of comedy in the hopes of his own genre of comedy in the hopes of his own genre of comedy in the hopes of making us laugh and waking us up. making us laugh and waking us up. making us laugh and waking us up. We talked to him at his alma mater, We talked to him at his alma mater, We talked to him at his alma mater, Cambridge University, where his parents Cambridge University, where his parents Cambridge University, where his parents sent him in the hopes that he would sent him in the hopes that he would sent him in the hopes that he would become a lawyer. become a lawyer. become a lawyer. >> I wanted to be a comedian.

>> I wanted to be a comedian. >> I wanted to be a comedian. But, I was embarrassed to tell anyone But, I was embarrassed to tell anyone But, I was embarrassed to tell anyone that I wanted to be a comedian. that I wanted to be a comedian. that I wanted to be a comedian. Because it's a bit like saying, "I want Because it's a bit like saying, "I want Because it's a bit like saying, "I want to be a supermodel." You know, then to be a supermodel." You know, then to be a supermodel." You know, then people go, "Well, you're not actually people go, "Well, you're not actually people go, "Well, you're not actually very good-looking, so you look like very good-looking, so you look like very good-looking, so you look like people." people." people." >> It's a secret. >> It's a secret. >> It's a secret. >> So, exactly. No one knows it. >> So, exactly. No one knows it. >> So, exactly. No one knows it. >> But, Baron Cohen had been experimenting >> But, Baron Cohen had been experimenting >> But, Baron Cohen had been experimenting with a version of the character who with a version of the character who with a version of the character who would become Ali G for years. would become Ali G for years. would become Ali G for years. >> Yo, what's up, homie? This is MC Justin >> Yo, what's up, homie? This is MC Justin >> Yo, what's up, homie? This is MC Justin here, chilling with you, making it real. here, chilling with you, making it real. here, chilling with you, making it real. >> He was this upper-class kid >> He was this upper-class kid >> He was this upper-class kid who did all the same catchphrases as Ali who did all the same catchphrases as Ali who did all the same catchphrases as Ali G. Booyakasha. But, he was upper-class, G. Booyakasha. But, he was upper-class, G. Booyakasha. But, he was upper-class, so it was booyakasha, you know. Junglist so it was booyakasha, you know. Junglist so it was booyakasha, you know. Junglist massive. massive. massive. >> Baron Cohen took his prototype of Ali G >> Baron Cohen took his prototype of Ali G >> Baron Cohen took his prototype of Ali G for a test drive among the skateboarders for a test drive among the skateboarders for a test drive among the skateboarders of London with the intention of airing of London with the intention of airing of London with the intention of airing the sketch on a youth culture show he the sketch on a youth culture show he the sketch on a youth culture show he was hosting on cable. was hosting on cable. was hosting on cable. >> And I start skateboarding terribly, and >> And I start skateboarding terribly, and >> And I start skateboarding terribly, and they go, "You're You're crap, man. they go, "You're You're crap, man. they go, "You're You're crap, man. You're wack." After about 5 minutes, I You're wack." After about 5 minutes, I You're wack." After about 5 minutes, I went back to my real voice. I said, went back to my real voice. I said, went back to my real voice. I said, "Guys, I'm "Guys, I'm "Guys, I'm pretending. This is a This is a pretending. This is a This is a pretending. This is a This is a character." They were shocked. character." They were shocked. character." They were shocked. At the end of the hour, I get called by At the end of the hour, I get called by At the end of the hour, I get called by the head the head the head boss.

boss. boss. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> He says, "If you try that again, you're >> He says, "If you try that again, you're >> He says, "If you try that again, you're fired." fired." fired." >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> And then I knew I was onto something. >> And then I knew I was onto something. >> And then I knew I was onto something. >> That something was honed into the >> That something was honed into the >> That something was honed into the character millions have come to know as character millions have come to know as character millions have come to know as Ali G. Ali G. Ali G. A white imbecile and hip-hop journalist A white imbecile and hip-hop journalist A white imbecile and hip-hop journalist who wants to be a black rapper. who wants to be a black rapper. who wants to be a black rapper. And whose debut on a satirical And whose debut on a satirical And whose debut on a satirical late-night talk show in 1998 was the late-night talk show in 1998 was the late-night talk show in 1998 was the stepping stone to Da Ali G Show. stepping stone to Da Ali G Show. stepping stone to Da Ali G Show. >> Check it. >> Check it. >> Check it. >> A smash hit in the UK that spawned an >> A smash hit in the UK that spawned an >> A smash hit in the UK that spawned an HBO series and a feature film. HBO series and a feature film. HBO series and a feature film. >> So, the core idea of Ali G was I >> So, the core idea of Ali G was I >> So, the core idea of Ali G was I thought, "Would it be funny thought, "Would it be funny thought, "Would it be funny to have to have to have the world expert in something with the the world expert in something with the the world expert in something with the biggest idiot in the world?" biggest idiot in the world?" biggest idiot in the world?" >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> You know, would that juxtaposition be >> You know, would that juxtaposition be >> You know, would that juxtaposition be really funny really funny really funny >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> if the world expert takes it seriously? >> if the world expert takes it seriously? >> if the world expert takes it seriously? >> Right. And apparently, yes. Baron Cohen >> Right. And apparently, yes. Baron Cohen >> Right. And apparently, yes. Baron Cohen went on to unleash Ali G on dozens of went on to unleash Ali G on dozens of went on to unleash Ali G on dozens of credulous authorities. credulous authorities. credulous authorities. >> Is it cuz I was black? >> Is it cuz I was black? >> Is it cuz I was black? >> You're black? >> You're black? >> You're black? >> I've got some business idea that I would >> I've got some business idea that I would >> I've got some business idea that I would just want to tell you about, and I'd be just want to tell you about, and I'd be just want to tell you about, and I'd be a fool if a fool if a fool if >> Very quickly.

>> Very quickly. >> Very quickly. >> Boom boom shake the mo- >> Boom boom shake the mo- >> Boom boom shake the mo- >> Case in point, the former Surgeon >> Case in point, the former Surgeon >> Case in point, the former Surgeon General of the United States, C. Everett General of the United States, C. Everett General of the United States, C. Everett Koop. Koop. Koop. >> I kept on telling him these stupid >> I kept on telling him these stupid >> I kept on telling him these stupid questions like, you know, questions like, you know, questions like, you know, "Ain't the heart a bit "Ain't the heart a bit "Ain't the heart a bit crap? You know, don't Shouldn't it have crap? You know, don't Shouldn't it have crap? You know, don't Shouldn't it have a different rhythm? Cuz at moment, it's a different rhythm? Cuz at moment, it's a different rhythm? Cuz at moment, it's boom boom boom boom, but what about a Then they would look after and go, "Yo, Then they would look after and go, "Yo, this is me heart. Respect it." this is me heart. Respect it." this is me heart. Respect it." >> No, you're way off base there. >> No, you're way off base there. >> No, you're way off base there. >> So, Ali, >> So, Ali, >> So, Ali, >> now, after more than 20 years in >> now, after more than 20 years in >> now, after more than 20 years in remission, Ali G is back. remission, Ali G is back. remission, Ali G is back. >> Yo, where is it now? >> Yo, where is it now? >> Yo, where is it now? This is called Buckingham Palace. This is called Buckingham Palace. This is called Buckingham Palace. And people from around the world come And people from around the world come And people from around the world come here here here to take photos and to wait and get boned to take photos and to wait and get boned to take photos and to wait and get boned by Prince Edward. by Prince Edward. by Prince Edward. Um Um Um >> Like if I play my cards right, that >> Like if I play my cards right, that >> Like if I play my cards right, that could be me. could be me. could be me. >> How old is you? >> How old is you? >> How old is you? >> 52. >> 52. >> 52. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Even if you switch those numbers around, >> Even if you switch those numbers around, >> Even if you switch those numbers around, they ain't going to work. By the way, they ain't going to work. By the way, they ain't going to work. By the way, you look well. Well, up there is Big you look well. Well, up there is Big you look well. Well, up there is Big Ben.

Ben. Ben. >> We went along as Ali G commandeered a >> We went along as Ali G commandeered a >> We went along as Ali G commandeered a double-decker bus and took us to see his double-decker bus and took us to see his double-decker bus and took us to see his version of the London landmarks. version of the London landmarks. version of the London landmarks. >> The big hand is on the II. >> The big hand is on the II. >> The big hand is on the II. And the little hand is on the III. And the little hand is on the III. And the little hand is on the III. >> Do you feel like you bring any element >> Do you feel like you bring any element >> Do you feel like you bring any element of of your actual self to some of the of of your actual self to some of the of of your actual self to some of the characters? characters? characters? >> If I knew who I was, then I could answer >> If I knew who I was, then I could answer >> If I knew who I was, then I could answer that. But, I don't know. I mean, Ali G, that. But, I don't know. I mean, Ali G, that. But, I don't know. I mean, Ali G, definitely, because definitely, because definitely, because in a way, at the age of 11, I was a an in a way, at the age of 11, I was a an in a way, at the age of 11, I was a an Ali G of sorts. Ali G of sorts. Ali G of sorts. >> The youngest of three boys, Baron Cohen >> The youngest of three boys, Baron Cohen >> The youngest of three boys, Baron Cohen grew up in northwest London, the son of grew up in northwest London, the son of grew up in northwest London, the son of a fitness instructor and an accountant. a fitness instructor and an accountant. a fitness instructor and an accountant. >> My mom was hilarious, but probably not >> My mom was hilarious, but probably not >> My mom was hilarious, but probably not intentionally so. intentionally so. intentionally so. >> Like, can you give me an example? >> Like, can you give me an example? >> Like, can you give me an example? >> Well, she has a voice like this. >> Well, she has a voice like this. >> Well, she has a voice like this. Sorry if you're watching this. Sorry if you're watching this. Sorry if you're watching this. Um and she had such a Um and she had such a Um and she had such a distinct voice that everyone in my high distinct voice that everyone in my high distinct voice that everyone in my high school could imitate it. So, everyone school could imitate it. So, everyone school could imitate it. So, everyone would go, "Sacha, telephone!"

would go, "Sacha, telephone!" would go, "Sacha, telephone!" Because that's what she would say when Because that's what she would say when Because that's what she would say when people would call me. people would call me. people would call me. >> He had a passion for breakdancing and >> He had a passion for breakdancing and >> He had a passion for breakdancing and early hip-hop, even providing the early hip-hop, even providing the early hip-hop, even providing the entertainment for his own bar mitzvah. He went on to study history at Cambridge He went on to study history at Cambridge University, where Baron Cohen discovered University, where Baron Cohen discovered University, where Baron Cohen discovered the stage. the stage. the stage. >> I realized I loved making people laugh, >> I realized I loved making people laugh, >> I realized I loved making people laugh, but I also really like making them cry. but I also really like making them cry. but I also really like making them cry. Um on stage. I don't know if you like Um on stage. I don't know if you like Um on stage. I don't know if you like >> the full emotional workout. >> the full emotional workout. >> the full emotional workout. >> give them their Yeah, bang for their >> give them their Yeah, bang for their >> give them their Yeah, bang for their buck. I really do. I do. buck. I really do. I do. buck. I really do. I do. >> And how do your parents react when you >> And how do your parents react when you >> And how do your parents react when you finish Cambridge and you say, "I think I finish Cambridge and you say, "I think I finish Cambridge and you say, "I think I want to be a actor."? want to be a actor."? want to be a actor."? >> They thought it was a ridiculous idea. >> They thought it was a ridiculous idea. >> They thought it was a ridiculous idea. It was just an impossibility. They were It was just an impossibility. They were It was just an impossibility. They were right. They were actually correct. right. They were actually correct. right. They were actually correct. >> Well, no. >> Well, no. >> Well, no. >> Well, it was so it would have been >> Well, it was so it would have been >> Well, it was so it would have been irresponsible for them to support me. irresponsible for them to support me. irresponsible for them to support me. Because the likelihood of success was Because the likelihood of success was Because the likelihood of success was seemed impossible. seemed impossible. seemed impossible. >> He pursued his goal by studying with the >> He pursued his goal by studying with the >> He pursued his goal by studying with the Stanislavski of clowns, a man named Stanislavski of clowns, a man named Stanislavski of clowns, a man named Philippe Gaulier. Philippe Gaulier. Philippe Gaulier. >> His idea of clown was the stupidest >> His idea of clown was the stupidest >> His idea of clown was the stupidest creature that can ever be on stage. He creature that can ever be on stage. He creature that can ever be on stage. He used to say, "More stupid than this and used to say, "More stupid than this and used to say, "More stupid than this and you die."

you die." you die." Uh sorry for the cultural appropriation Uh sorry for the cultural appropriation Uh sorry for the cultural appropriation of the French accent. of the French accent. of the French accent. >> And what did you learn? >> And what did you learn? >> And what did you learn? >> Everything. Everything. He was my >> Everything. Everything. He was my >> Everything. Everything. He was my mentor. mentor. mentor. >> And Baron Cohen brought it all to Borat. >> And Baron Cohen brought it all to Borat. >> And Baron Cohen brought it all to Borat. >> Yakshemash. >> Yakshemash. >> Yakshemash. I'm not a Borat. I'm not a Borat. I'm not a Borat. >> The beloved, bumbling, anti-semite >> The beloved, bumbling, anti-semite >> The beloved, bumbling, anti-semite Kazakh reporter who made his grand Kazakh reporter who made his grand Kazakh reporter who made his grand entrance touring America in 2006. entrance touring America in 2006. entrance touring America in 2006. >> We are actually live on the air right >> We are actually live on the air right >> We are actually live on the air right now. now. now. >> I am very excite. >> I am very excite. >> I am very excite. >> Yes, it's a nice >> Yes, it's a nice >> Yes, it's a nice >> Hello, you listen to my >> Hello, you listen to my >> Hello, you listen to my Hello, you listen to my I am very Hello, you listen to my I am very Hello, you listen to my I am very excited. excited. excited. >> So, when you're making Borat, obviously >> So, when you're making Borat, obviously >> So, when you're making Borat, obviously you meticulously you meticulously you meticulously plan ahead and, you know, it's not like plan ahead and, you know, it's not like plan ahead and, you know, it's not like you and your merry band of producers is you and your merry band of producers is you and your merry band of producers is just going into antique stores. >> And there's a huge amount of stuff that >> And there's a huge amount of stuff that you don't see, which is us behind the you don't see, which is us behind the you don't see, which is us behind the scenes looking at who we were scenes looking at who we were scenes looking at who we were interviewing and going, interviewing and going, interviewing and going, "They not them. Not them." "They not them. Not them." "They not them. Not them." Who is this lady you have shrunk? Who is this lady you have shrunk? Who is this lady you have shrunk? Was she the owner of this house that you Was she the owner of this house that you Was she the owner of this house that you camped in front of?

camped in front of? camped in front of? >> The movie was both hysterical and >> The movie was both hysterical and >> The movie was both hysterical and revealing. An experiment, he says, where revealing. An experiment, he says, where revealing. An experiment, he says, where interactions with real people move the interactions with real people move the interactions with real people move the plot forward. What's more, Borat made plot forward. What's more, Borat made plot forward. What's more, Borat made $260 million. $260 million. $260 million. >> You know, Borat is, again, a funny >> You know, Borat is, again, a funny >> You know, Borat is, again, a funny character, but also to character, but also to character, but also to He also shows the kindness of people as He also shows the kindness of people as He also shows the kindness of people as well who are so nice to him. well who are so nice to him. well who are so nice to him. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But also can expose, you know, the layer >> But also can expose, you know, the layer >> But also can expose, you know, the layer of hate and bigotry below the surface of hate and bigotry below the surface of hate and bigotry below the surface that people normally wouldn't go on air that people normally wouldn't go on air that people normally wouldn't go on air and and and and show. and show. and show. >> Baron Cohen's undercover comedy ventures >> Baron Cohen's undercover comedy ventures >> Baron Cohen's undercover comedy ventures into morally complex territory. In many into morally complex territory. In many into morally complex territory. In many cases, his incognito encounters with cases, his incognito encounters with cases, his incognito encounters with unsuspecting people create an ethically unsuspecting people create an ethically unsuspecting people create an ethically questionable bargain. The worse they questionable bargain. The worse they questionable bargain. The worse they look, the better it is for him. look, the better it is for him. look, the better it is for him. >> Come on and make my day, Jew. >> I guess what I wonder is have you felt >> I guess what I wonder is have you felt conflicted or guilty about conflicted or guilty about conflicted or guilty about baiting someone into making a complete baiting someone into making a complete baiting someone into making a complete fool of themselves?

fool of themselves? fool of themselves? >> Okay, well, I think a lot of the times >> Okay, well, I think a lot of the times >> Okay, well, I think a lot of the times they're not making fools of themselves. they're not making fools of themselves. they're not making fools of themselves. Uh I think a lot of those in the Ali G Uh I think a lot of those in the Ali G Uh I think a lot of those in the Ali G interviews they come across across well, interviews they come across across well, interviews they come across across well, actually. actually. actually. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh I think it's the same with Borat. >> Uh I think it's the same with Borat. >> Uh I think it's the same with Borat. >> The encore of Borat was Bruno. >> The encore of Borat was Bruno. >> The encore of Borat was Bruno. >> [ __ ] off. I'm Bruno. >> [ __ ] off. I'm Bruno. >> [ __ ] off. I'm Bruno. >> A flamboyant fashion reporter who wanted >> A flamboyant fashion reporter who wanted >> A flamboyant fashion reporter who wanted to become the quote biggest Austrian to become the quote biggest Austrian to become the quote biggest Austrian superstar since Hitler. Baron Cohen says superstar since Hitler. Baron Cohen says superstar since Hitler. Baron Cohen says the movie was conceived as a gay rom-com the movie was conceived as a gay rom-com the movie was conceived as a gay rom-com and rom-coms need to end with a kiss, and rom-coms need to end with a kiss, and rom-coms need to end with a kiss, usually in a setting that's scenic and usually in a setting that's scenic and usually in a setting that's scenic and sentimental. sentimental. sentimental. >> Instead of that, we did it in a cage >> Instead of that, we did it in a cage >> Instead of that, we did it in a cage match. match. match. It is me and my love interest and we It is me and my love interest and we It is me and my love interest and we kiss. We wanted to see what would happen with We wanted to see what would happen with the crowd, would they become violent, the crowd, would they become violent, the crowd, would they become violent, really. really. really. >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> No, it seemed like they wanted to kill >> No, it seemed like they wanted to kill >> No, it seemed like they wanted to kill you. you. you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> What's the sort of ratio of fear >> What's the sort of ratio of fear >> What's the sort of ratio of fear to thrill for you while that's to thrill for you while that's to thrill for you while that's happening? How much are you worried happening? How much are you worried happening? How much are you worried about dying and how much are you about dying and how much are you about dying and how much are you thinking, "Oh my god, this is going to thinking, "Oh my god, this is going to thinking, "Oh my god, this is going to be the best scene?"

be the best scene?" be the best scene?" >> I'm thinking about the scene almost >> I'm thinking about the scene almost >> I'm thinking about the scene almost entirely in that moment. entirely in that moment. entirely in that moment. I mean, I can remember it vividly now. I mean, I can remember it vividly now. I mean, I can remember it vividly now. Yeah, I remember Well, I remember lying Yeah, I remember Well, I remember lying Yeah, I remember Well, I remember lying down and I'm kissing him and I'm looking down and I'm kissing him and I'm looking down and I'm kissing him and I'm looking at the chairs. at the chairs. at the chairs. And I'm thinking this is great. And I'm thinking this is great. And I'm thinking this is great. >> Baron Cohen's work has earned Golden >> Baron Cohen's work has earned Golden >> Baron Cohen's work has earned Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well as Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well as Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well as Oscar nominations for Borat. And for his Oscar nominations for Borat. And for his Oscar nominations for Borat. And for his dramatic role as the '60s activist Abbie dramatic role as the '60s activist Abbie dramatic role as the '60s activist Abbie Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7. Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7. Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7. >> We carried certain ideas across state >> We carried certain ideas across state >> We carried certain ideas across state lines. lines. lines. >> Before that, he played Israeli Mossad >> Before that, he played Israeli Mossad >> Before that, he played Israeli Mossad agent Eli Cohen in a mini-series called agent Eli Cohen in a mini-series called agent Eli Cohen in a mini-series called The Spy. The Spy. The Spy. >> We shoot Bobby. >> We shoot Bobby. >> We shoot Bobby. >> And starred opposite Will Ferrell as the >> And starred opposite Will Ferrell as the >> And starred opposite Will Ferrell as the French NASCAR driver Jean Girard in French NASCAR driver Jean Girard in French NASCAR driver Jean Girard in Talladega Nights. Talladega Nights. Talladega Nights. >> I was in the middle of shooting Borat, >> I was in the middle of shooting Borat, >> I was in the middle of shooting Borat, and on the plane over I thought, I need and on the plane over I thought, I need and on the plane over I thought, I need to do a French character. Why don't I do to do a French character. Why don't I do to do a French character. Why don't I do my old French clown teacher? my old French clown teacher? my old French clown teacher? >> Ah, yes. So, that it is that, you know, >> Ah, yes. So, that it is that, you know, >> Ah, yes. So, that it is that, you know, you like Bobby, you know. Yes, Bobby. I thought you just said your dick did I thought you just said your dick did not bad.

not bad. not bad. Is that a snot my [ __ ] Is that a snot my [ __ ] Is that a snot my [ __ ] >> Peter Sellers, in all his absurdity, >> Peter Sellers, in all his absurdity, >> Peter Sellers, in all his absurdity, faux Frenchness, and physicality, faux Frenchness, and physicality, faux Frenchness, and physicality, was the first and remains the greatest was the first and remains the greatest was the first and remains the greatest influence of Baron Cohen's career. influence of Baron Cohen's career. influence of Baron Cohen's career. >> I mean, Sellers is still my favorite >> I mean, Sellers is still my favorite >> I mean, Sellers is still my favorite comedian. comedian. comedian. >> Of all time? >> Of all time? >> Of all time? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Yeah, because he completely inhabited >> Yeah, because he completely inhabited >> Yeah, because he completely inhabited the character. the character. the character. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> And it's laugh-out-loud funny. >> And it's laugh-out-loud funny. >> And it's laugh-out-loud funny. And they are silly voices. And they are silly voices. And they are silly voices. >> In Baron Cohen's new movie, Ali G Who Is >> In Baron Cohen's new movie, Ali G Who Is >> In Baron Cohen's new movie, Ali G Who Is I, his directorial debut out later this I, his directorial debut out later this I, his directorial debut out later this week, week, week, he plays Ali G, a deranged leftist he plays Ali G, a deranged leftist he plays Ali G, a deranged leftist professor, and a former Mossad agent, professor, and a former Mossad agent, professor, and a former Mossad agent, who all interact with unsuspecting who all interact with unsuspecting who all interact with unsuspecting strangers. The result, designed to strangers. The result, designed to strangers. The result, designed to expose the extremism at both ends of the expose the extremism at both ends of the expose the extremism at both ends of the political spectrum, is as disturbing as political spectrum, is as disturbing as political spectrum, is as disturbing as it is funny. it is funny. it is funny. >> These immigrants are not coming here to >> These immigrants are not coming here to >> These immigrants are not coming here to mow your lawn, trim your trees, rake mow your lawn, trim your trees, rake mow your lawn, trim your trees, rake your leaves, clean your house. your leaves, clean your house. your leaves, clean your house. >> Did you go into this movie with any kind >> Did you go into this movie with any kind >> Did you go into this movie with any kind of question you wanted to answer. of question you wanted to answer. of question you wanted to answer. >> Yes. I mean, number one, I wanted the >> Yes. I mean, number one, I wanted the >> Yes. I mean, number one, I wanted the people to people to people to laugh laugh laugh really, really hard. And I wanted to really, really hard. And I wanted to really, really hard. And I wanted to also just examine this idea of also just examine this idea of also just examine this idea of conspiracies and lies. Whether we, in a conspiracies and lies. Whether we, in a conspiracies and lies. Whether we, in a matter of hours, could turn intelligent matter of hours, could turn intelligent matter of hours, could turn intelligent people who believed in people who believed in people who believed in the theory of race replacement into the theory of race replacement into the theory of race replacement into murderers.

murderers. murderers. Doesn't sound that funny. There's loads Doesn't sound that funny. There's loads Doesn't sound that funny. There's loads of laughs in the movie as well. of laughs in the movie as well. of laughs in the movie as well. >> The scale of the challenge was unlike >> The scale of the challenge was unlike >> The scale of the challenge was unlike anything Baron Cohen had undertaken anything Baron Cohen had undertaken anything Baron Cohen had undertaken before. before. before. >> We had to have, you know, prosthetic >> We had to have, you know, prosthetic >> We had to have, you know, prosthetic teams working on this for years. We had teams working on this for years. We had teams working on this for years. We had animatronic teams. There are hundreds animatronic teams. There are hundreds animatronic teams. There are hundreds and hundreds of things that can go and hundreds of things that can go and hundreds of things that can go wrong. wrong. wrong. And each of them has to go right. And each of them has to go right. And each of them has to go right. >> Do you feel like you're holding up a >> Do you feel like you're holding up a >> Do you feel like you're holding up a mirror to society, plain and simple? Or mirror to society, plain and simple? Or mirror to society, plain and simple? Or is it like a like a weird, warped is it like a like a weird, warped is it like a like a weird, warped funhouse mirror that gives us a funhouse mirror that gives us a funhouse mirror that gives us a distorted perspective of how scary distorted perspective of how scary distorted perspective of how scary things actually are? things actually are? things actually are? >> Again, the primary objective of all of >> Again, the primary objective of all of >> Again, the primary objective of all of this is to get people to laugh really this is to get people to laugh really this is to get people to laugh really hard. Um hard. Um hard. Um and smuggled in there is a bit of and smuggled in there is a bit of and smuggled in there is a bit of satire. It's a bit of hopefully people satire. It's a bit of hopefully people satire. It's a bit of hopefully people come out of the movie theater and think come out of the movie theater and think come out of the movie theater and think >> Baron Cohen is trying to show us that >> Baron Cohen is trying to show us that >> Baron Cohen is trying to show us that democracies depend on shared truths and democracies depend on shared truths and democracies depend on shared truths and autocracies survive on shared lies. He autocracies survive on shared lies. He autocracies survive on shared lies. He says he's just doing silly voices, but says he's just doing silly voices, but says he's just doing silly voices, but for more than half his life, his for more than half his life, his for more than half his life, his characters' curiosity, stupidity, and characters' curiosity, stupidity, and characters' curiosity, stupidity, and charm have also revealed our character.

charm have also revealed our character. charm have also revealed our character. >> You know, my dream was >> You know, my dream was >> You know, my dream was could I make one classic comedy? could I make one classic comedy? could I make one classic comedy? And I felt like with Borat, I was like, And I felt like with Borat, I was like, And I felt like with Borat, I was like, I did it. You know, so anything else is I did it. You know, so anything else is I did it. You know, so anything else is is really gravy and is really gravy and is really gravy and yeah, I feel very, very lucky. yeah, I feel very, very lucky. yeah, I feel very, very lucky. >> Ah. >> Ah. >> Ah. King in the castle, king in the castle.