Brüno (2009)

Last updated:
September 30, 2025

Sacha Baron Cohen’s Brüno is a satirical mockumentary that pushes the boundaries of comedy, taste, and social commentary. Following the success of Borat (2006), Cohen returns with another outrageous alter ego—this time, a flamboyant Austrian fashionista with big dreams and zero filters. The film blends staged scenarios with real-life interactions, often putting unsuspecting participants in highly uncomfortable situations.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: From Runway to Ruin

Brüno Gehard is introduced as a fabulously gay Austrian fashion show host who is obsessed with fame, fashion, and attention. After a scandal ruins his career in Europe, he sets his sights on Hollywood, believing he’s destined to become a superstar.

Hollywood Dreams Crash and Burn

Brüno tries to break into the entertainment industry but fails spectacularly. He attempts to host his own TV show pilot, which is quickly rejected for being too offensive and bizarre. From there, he tries various stunts to become famous, including adopting an African baby he names O.J., purely for publicity.

Outrageous Attempts at Fame

As his desperation grows, Brüno explores increasingly absurd routes to stardom:

He attempts to end the Israeli–Palestinian conflict by hosting peace talks that turn into chaotic arguments.
He tries to become heterosexual by undergoing extreme “conversion therapy.”
He organizes a charity photo shoot with his adopted child, which is met with horror.
He enters a wrestling ring in Arkansas, disguised as a macho straight man, only to stage a passionate kiss with another man, sparking a riot among the audience.

These moments highlight the absurdity of both Brüno’s quest and the reactions of real-life people to his provocations.

Movie Ending

The film culminates with Brüno sinking to his lowest point after repeated failures. His career is in ruins, his adopted child is taken from him, and his attempts to gain fame only draw public hatred. However, in classic Cohen style, the movie ends on a chaotic and comedic high note: Brüno becomes an international music sensation by forming a charity-style celebrity group (a parody of We Are the World). The final music video, “Dove of Peace,” features cameo appearances by stars like Elton John, Bono, Snoop Dogg, Sting, and Chris Martin, who all play along with the gag.

In the end, Brüno achieves the fame he craved—but only by mocking the very system he wanted to join. The closing scene suggests that in a world obsessed with celebrity, even the most outrageous figures can find their place in the spotlight.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Brüno does not include post-credits scenes. Once the music video concludes and the credits roll, the film is finished.

Type of Movie

The movie is a mockumentary comedy with strong elements of satire and shock humor. It follows the same style as Borat, blending scripted sequences with real interactions to expose social attitudes, prejudices, and hypocrisies.

Cast

Sacha Baron Cohen as Brüno
Gustaf Hammarsten as Lutz, Brüno’s loyal assistant and eventual love interest
Numerous real-life people, celebrities, and unsuspecting participants who were filmed in unscripted interactions

Film Music and Composer

The official score was minimal, but the film relies heavily on pop culture tracks and the climactic parody song “Dove of Peace.” The music plays a satirical role, parodying celebrity-driven charity singles.

Filming Locations

The film was shot across the United States and Europe, including:

Los Angeles, California (for Brüno’s Hollywood misadventures)
Arkansas (for the infamous wrestling scene)
Israel and the West Bank (for Brüno’s misguided peace mission)
These locations were chosen to confront cultural contrasts and maximize shock value.

Awards and Nominations

Won the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor (for Cohen as Brüno—though tongue-in-cheek).
Nominated for Best Comedy Performance at the MTV Movie Awards.
Won Best Comedy at the 2009 British Comedy Awards.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Many participants were unaware they were being filmed for a comedy movie. This led to several lawsuits.
The wrestling scene in Arkansas almost turned into a full-blown riot; Cohen and his crew had to be escorted out by security.
Some celebrity appearances in the final music video were achieved by tricking stars into thinking they were participating in a genuine charity project.
The baby used as O.J. was not adopted in real life—the storyline was staged, but reactions of talk-show audiences were real.

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by Cohen’s original Brüno sketches from Da Ali G Show. The character’s satirical roots lie in mocking the fashion industry, celebrity obsession, and homophobia.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several deleted scenes surfaced later, including:

Brüno interviewing politicians and celebrities in more extended segments.
A longer cut of his failed talk show pilot.
Extra footage of his “conversion therapy” journey.
Most were removed to streamline the runtime and keep pacing tight.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no direct book adaptation. However, the Brüno character originates from Cohen’s TV work rather than literature, unlike Valerian or other comic-based films.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Brüno bringing his adopted baby onto an American talk show.
The Israeli–Palestinian peace summit descending into chaos.
Brüno’s failed attempt to seduce Ron Paul in a hotel room (Paul storms out).
The wrestling match in Arkansas erupting into a violent audience riot.

Iconic Quotes

Brüno: “I gave him a traditional African name: O.J.”
Brüno: “Fashion is danger.”
Ron Paul (after storming out): “This guy’s queer. He’s crazy. He’s bonkers.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The Dove of Peace video mocks We Are the World directly, even mimicking its style and arrangement.
Brüno’s wardrobe is filled with inside jokes about fashion designers, often exaggerated versions of real couture pieces.
Some names of minor characters reference famous designers like Versace and Lagerfeld.

Trivia

The film was originally given an NC-17 rating before cuts were made to secure an R.
Madonna reportedly refused to appear in the Dove of Peace video.
The movie grossed over $138 million worldwide on a $42 million budget.
Several lawsuits were filed by participants who claimed they were misled.

Why Watch?

Brüno is not for the faint of heart. It’s provocative, offensive, and deliberately uncomfortable. But it also brilliantly exposes prejudice, hypocrisy, and the absurdity of fame. If you’re interested in comedy that challenges social norms and makes you squirm while laughing, this is a must-watch.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
Jackass: The Movie (2002)
Team America: World Police (2004)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
The Dictator (2012)

Brüno (2009)