The Dictator (2012)

Last updated:
September 30, 2025

Sacha Baron Cohen’s The Dictator (2012) is a politically charged satirical comedy directed by Larry Charles. With Cohen at the center as the eccentric, ruthless, and wildly inappropriate Admiral General Aladeen, the movie is equal parts parody, absurdist humor, and biting commentary on global politics. Let’s dive deep into the film, covering everything from its story beats to behind-the-scenes trivia.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Opening: Meet Admiral General Aladeen

The story begins in the fictional North African country of Wadiya, where Admiral General Aladeen rules with an iron fist. He’s a narcissistic dictator who has no tolerance for dissent, executes anyone who disagrees with him, and spends his days building nuclear weapons while also being hilariously out of touch with reality.

Aladeen’s Trip to the UN

When the world pressures Wadiya about its nuclear ambitions, Aladeen travels to New York to address the United Nations. But his plans don’t go smoothly. His uncle Tamir (Ben Kingsley), plotting to take over, arranges for Aladeen to be kidnapped and replaced with a body double who will sign democratic reforms and strip Aladeen of power.

Life Without Power

Aladeen escapes but is left powerless, homeless, and unrecognizable after his iconic beard is shaved off. He meets Zoey (Anna Faris), an eco-activist running a socially conscious co-op. At first, Aladeen is clueless and offensive, but gradually he learns to survive in New York with her help, while secretly plotting to regain his position.

The Conspiracy Unfolds

As Aladeen adjusts to his new life, he discovers Tamir’s plan: to sign a democratic constitution and sell off Wadiya’s oil resources. With Zoey and his loyal nuclear scientist Nadal (Jason Mantzoukas), Aladeen works to infiltrate the signing ceremony and stop the betrayal.

Movie Ending

In the climactic sequence, Aladeen sneaks into the constitutional signing ceremony where his double is about to finalize Wadiya’s new democratic constitution. Instead of stopping it violently, Aladeen takes the stage and delivers a satirical monologue praising dictatorships, cleverly disguised as a critique of Western democracies.

He exposes Tamir’s treachery, reclaims his position as Wadiya’s dictator, and shreds the constitution. However, in a comedic twist, Aladeen proposes to Zoey, showing signs of personal growth—only for the wedding to reveal a new absurd problem: Zoey is Jewish, which horrifies him given his character’s prejudices. The film ends with this darkly humorous cliffhanger, staying true to its politically incorrect tone.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes. The film includes outtakes and additional comedic clips during the credits, featuring extended improvised jokes and deleted gags. These aren’t essential to the story but provide extra laughs, in true Cohen style.

Type of Movie

The Dictator is a satirical political comedy with heavy elements of parody, slapstick, and dark humor. Unlike Cohen’s mockumentary-style films (Borat, Brüno), this one is a scripted narrative, though it retains his signature shock comedy.

Cast

Sacha Baron Cohen as Admiral General Aladeen / Efawadh (the body double)
Anna Faris as Zoey
Ben Kingsley as Uncle Tamir
Jason Mantzoukas as Nadal
John C. Reilly as Clayton (the torturer)
Bobby Lee as Mr. Lao
Cameos include Megan Fox, Edward Norton, and Fred Armisen.

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Erran Baron Cohen, Sacha’s brother, who also worked on Borat and Brüno. The soundtrack blends Middle Eastern-inspired sounds with comic undertones, often serving as a parody of grandiose “dictator” anthems. There are also satirical versions of Western pop songs sung in faux Arabic.

Filming Locations

New York City, USA: Most of the film was shot on location in Manhattan, giving authenticity to Aladeen’s misadventures in America.
Spain: Some desert and palace scenes were filmed in Seville, doubling as Wadiya.

New York’s presence is crucial—it symbolizes the contrast between Aladeen’s oppressive dictatorship and the freedoms (and chaos) of Western society.

Awards and Nominations

The film didn’t sweep major awards but did receive attention at the Golden Trailer Awards for its creative marketing. It was more of a pop culture moment than a critical darling.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Cohen attended the 2012 Oscars in character as Aladeen, spilling “ashes” on Ryan Seacrest as a publicity stunt.
Megan Fox’s cameo was a direct parody of celebrity culture, with her playing herself in bed with Aladeen.
The movie faced bans in some Middle Eastern countries due to its satirical depiction of dictatorship.
Cohen reportedly improvised many lines on set, pushing co-stars to the edge of breaking character.

Inspirations and References

The film is loosely inspired by the novel “Zabibah and the King,” attributed to Saddam Hussein. It also draws from real-world dictators such as Gaddafi, Kim Jong-Il, and Hussein, blending their traits into Aladeen’s absurd persona.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some deleted material includes extended scenes of Aladeen working at Zoey’s co-op, as well as darker jokes that didn’t make the theatrical cut. The alternate takes are visible in the outtakes shown during the credits.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie itself isn’t a direct adaptation of Zabibah and the King, but it borrows the idea of a dictator’s love story. Unlike the propaganda-style tone of the book, Cohen’s film spins it into biting satire.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Aladeen’s disastrous appearance at the UN before being kidnapped.
The torturing scene where John C. Reilly’s character hilariously botches his job.
Aladeen delivering his monologue about dictatorship versus democracy.

Iconic Quotes

“Why are you guys so anti-dictators? Imagine if America was a dictatorship. You could let 1% of the people have all the nation’s wealth.”
“I am Wadiya’s number one most-beloved, glorious leader.”
“Death to the West!” (a running gag in various inappropriate settings).

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The Wadiya flag features Aladeen’s face, mocking the cult of personality common in dictatorships.
Posters in Wadiya often parody real-world propaganda art.
The fake Arabic pop songs are parodies of hits like “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

Trivia

The goat that appears in the film reportedly caused chaos on set.
Sacha Baron Cohen was almost banned from the Oscars after his stunt in character.
The UN scenes weren’t shot at the actual United Nations; they were recreated in a Brooklyn soundstage.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy bold, politically incorrect humor that doesn’t shy away from taboo topics, The Dictator is worth watching. It’s not subtle—it’s outrageous, shocking, and often hilariously uncomfortable. It also offers sharp commentary on both authoritarian regimes and Western hypocrisy.

The Dictator (2012)