Bruno in the burbs of OC

So, last night I could stand the suspense no more and went to "Bruno."

Why, some may ask, would a married mother of two want to see a movie about a crazy gay guy? Well, because actually I just wanted to see a funny movie, that's why. And I did. And it was.

True, there were some stunned silences, and one or two couples, like the one to my left, who up and left after the first penis-spinning and talking bit.

Let it be said, this movie is not for the faint of heart. Or for those who lack, well, I can't call it maturity, because that's not what I mean. I guess what I mean is it's not for those who lack "perspective," for lack of a better word.

When purchasing a ticket to this film one needs to realize two important things:

One: "Bruno" no more speaks for all gay men, than Tyler Perry's "Medea" speaks for all African-American women.

And, Two: It ain't for the kids. Seriously, there were kids there, last night. Wrong. Not. What are those parents thinking? Bad choice, under any circumstances. Trust me on this. It's not for the faint-hearted. It's almost too much for us grown ups.

And, just don't go unless you know you are certain to enjoy "in-your-face," "over-the-top," " bathroom humor." You know, the kind of funny that Brits made famous with exports like Monty Python and Benny Hill? If you didn't like those guys, you'll hate anything by Sacha Baron Cohen.

For the record, I found it to be a wicked, hilarious romp of a film. My husband said he actually thought "Borat" was funnier, but I have to say, I liked this one as much, if not more so. Unfortunately, his first film starring "Ali G" really was forgettable, which is a shame, because the cable show of the same title was terrific. (Rent the show. It's very funny.)

I still happen to think Sacha Baron Cohen is a comic wizard. And I'm both bewildered and mesmerized by his ability to utterly and totally commit to what he does. You have to hand it to him about that.

Sure, sometimes he goes too far, but name one comic who made a difference on this planet and I'll show you a comic who upset people from time to time. (I might remind some of us of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy's concert films.) Satire can be very edgy, and quite subjective. That's the nature of the beast. Don't like it? Don't go.

Look, for the most part, I'm a hopelessly vanilla, stay-at-home mom who also happens to love art that pushes the envelope. Sometimes, I wince, but I know when something is genuinely funny. And I felt that "Bruno" was genuinely entertaining.

However, two questions remain a pretty hot topic as of tonight:

Topic One: This is a summer comedy. Which usually means, it's summer and as a parent I'd like to think that for the money I can go to this movie with my kid and we'll both find it funny together, so is this okay? NO. Don't do it. You'll hate yourself in the morning if you do.

In the case of this movie, pretty much none of it is acceptable for minors. And, as much as I loved it, I'd have rated it "NC-17." But, what do I know? I'm just a mom in the OC.

I get that comics who satirize what's uncomfortable in human nature are always seeking new ways to make us laugh at the darkness, but, homosexuality is still a subject we as a nation still have some deep issues with.

So, I'm not surprised to learn that "Bruno" is already rocking some boats out there.

"Bruno" with his adopted baby. "O.J."

Other topic: What is this film really saying about homosexuality?

Uh, I could be very wrong about this, but after seeing it, I kind of think the movie is not really saying anything in particular about gays. As far as I can tell, other than some people (characters) are funny, and some people are dumb. And some people are dumb and funny. And in this movie, Cohen's havin' a laugh at both. A laugh. Nothing more, nothing less. (To Cohen.)

Is it okay if that's all the movie is saying? Well, I'm all about artistic freedom, so I'm inclined to say "it's okay." But, still, maybe, it isn't.

Perhaps, given that I'm a straight chick, I wonder if I really even have permission to have the last word on this subject. Not sure that I do, really.

I mean, since I do not identify with being gay I don't really know if should speak on this, other than"Bruno" made me laugh.

Actually after viewing it (not while viewing it, because I was laughing too hard, then) that I thought, "Hmmm. This maybe isn't going to be something useful to people in middle school, or high school."

I mean, sure, I accept people for who the are, regardless of their sexual identity, but not everyone is capable of this. What worries me, especially after the last election with the Prop 8 insanity, is that not everyone is ready to be so open and tolerant of homosexuality that they can laugh about all aspects of it, even the crazy Bruno side of it, which, Lord knows, is hardly the way everyone should view gays and lesbians.

I do worry about some people may see this and not feel anything but anger and disgust. And I do wonder if this film may make life that much harder for young people struggling with their identities to be accepted for who they are.

I have seen the depth of homophobia here in the 'burbs. And, it's sadly alive and well. And, so, it does concern me that kids are seeing this and can't process the satire in a healthy way. Or, their bigoted parents are seeing this and twisting the message "Bruno" to their kids which may fuel more homophobia in the world.

But, do you censor genuinely funny films just because some people are too ignorant to watch it? Do you "dumb down" comedy for those too immature to "get it?"

No. No, you don't. But, you do talk about it. Which is, I guess, what I'm doing here. I'm a big believer in talking. Talking is good.

Like I said, I adored Monty Python, and wore out their comedy albums listening to them in my bedroom growing up, but I do worry about the Matthew Shepherds and Harvey Milks in this world.

I mean, somebody has to. So, what to do with a movie like "Bruno?" You know it will get into the mainstream of pop culture. What then? God help me, if I know.

Except maybe this: Talk about it?

Look, I love raw comedy. I love Chris Rock, Andy Kaufman, Lenny Bruce...etc, But, I do think it needs to be stressed that kids probably shouldn't be at this movie. It isn't just sexual, it's freakishly sexual. And I think it has to be stated again, that this film in no way should speak for all gay people. And I don't think it is for everyone. Especially kids.

So, for whatever it's worth, this married, vanilla, mom went to see "Bruno" last night in Huntington Beach, and, for better or worse, I have to admit that nobody in the theater was laughing as hard as I was.

Even though I cringed, I loved every minute.

For a far more eloquent exploration the movie and the issues it brings up, why not read what writer Prince Gomolvilas, say in his wonderful blog Bamboo Nation, Bruno: Gayer Than the Average Gay,

Or, read what was in the Op Ed in this weekend's Los Angeles Times, 'Bruno' doesn't help gays By Rashad Robinson.

Go see the movie, and if you care, you can read a few different perspectives about how others feel about the film.

But, if you are curious. Go.

I've always found it helpful to see things for myself and make up my own mind.