The Sacha Baron Cohen Phenomenon
He's best known for his television portrayals, namely as Ali G, Borat and Brüno. Nowadays, Sacha Baron Cohen has successfully made the transition to contemporary Hollywood cinema. He has made a splash in the US with his performance as Inspector Gustav in Martin Scorsese's Hugo and is due to appear in a string of films in 2012, such as Les Misérables and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. The question, however, remains: what is it about Cohen that continues to draw audiences in?
Cohen's talent was obvious in shows as early as Live from the Lighthouse and The 11 O'Clock Show. His performance as Ali G on both shows sailed well with viewers; the character then made a true name for himself on Da Ali G Show in the 2000s. The character of Ali G, however, then paved the way for Cohen's other characters, such as Borat and Brüno, characters who went on to find a home in cinema. Cohen's knack for shape-shifting is what has contributed to his great success over time. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan met critical acclaim and controversy, whilst Brüno only met controversy. His depictions of Kazakhstani journalists and gay Austrian fashion reporters may vary in style and content, but both are united in their zaniness and ability to ruffle critics' feathers. In Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Cohen wowed audiences with his performance as Signor Adolfo Pirelli, one of the narrative's criminal/barbers. Cohen's talents also lie in voice artistry, as his work as King Julien XIII in the Madagascar series has proven. His vocal work as Jakob in The Simpsons, much like his work as Julien, screams with wittiness.
Work doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon for Cohen. 2012 will see the release of The Dictator and A Kind of Magic, films about real-life rock stars and fictional dictatorships, which will, I have no doubt, demonstrate Cohen's knack for shape-shifting once more.
By Chris Traficante