Reviews for Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film BRUNO (the follow-up of sorts to his 2006 hit BORAT) are popping up and one of the more interesting scenes appears to be when the flamboyantly gay character attempts to get involved with some charities

Apparently, Bruno wants to become a celebrity and decides to interview some PR consultants who advise Hollywood stars on ways to boost their image through charity work. From a Bloomberg review,

In America, Bruno has encounters with B-list entertainers, redneck hunters, bloodthirsty fight fans and a couple of airhead PR consultants who advise celebrities on how to boost their public images by supporting charities. (One of the flacks mispronounces Darfur and indicates that global warming is no longer buzz-worthy.)

Obviously, there probably aren’t many out there surprised to learn that some celebrities are in the charity game for the publicity. I just can’t believe that some would hire others to advise them on the ways to do this for maximum gain. Actually, what the hell am I talking about? This is Hollywood. Anything goes — no matter how shallow the circumstances.

Bruno hits theaters this weekend. In the meantime, we’ll see if we can dig up this clip somewhere.

If you’re not interested in learning too much about Sacha Baron Cohen’s upcoming mockumentary Bruno, please do not read further.

A few reviews of the new film Bruno, scheduled for release on July 10, have leaked out — and the news for Cohen fans is very postive. For those not in the know, Bruno is one of the characters Cohen created for his Channel 4 and HBO series, Da Ali G Show. As Wikipedia desribes, Bruno is a ” homosexual character claiming to be a reporter from an Austrian television station and interviews unsuspecting guests about topics such as fashion, entertainment, celebrities and homosexuality, with an emphasis on the latter as each interview progresses.” Needless to say, just like Borat, he’s absolutely hilarious. And he’s getting his own movie.

Anyways, according to the reviews, part of the plot involves Bruno drawing inspiration from people like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie to, as he says, find a “new shithole to save”..and…”Clooney has Darfur, I need to find my Darfive…” In his quest to become a big time celebrity, Bruno feels that the only way he can accomplish this is by giving back. He even flies to the Middle East to negotiate peace between Israel and Palestine by telling them “Why are you all so mad at Hamas, Pita bread is the real enemy, yes?”

The best part? Apparently there’s a giant charity song at the end of the movie featuring Bono, Coldplay, Elton John and Snoop Dogg. Any other movie and I’d call bullshit — but this is Sacha Baron Cohen, so expect it. Can’t wait.

We dig Joaquin Phoenix here on the razz for his environmental and charity projects — as well as his vegan lifestyle and animal activism. However, when we heard that he was ditching acting, focusing on a rap career, and documenting the process with help from his brother-in-law Casey Affleck, our immediate gut reaction was “Is this a joke?”

Turns out, according to some sources, it is indeed.

Perhaps taking some cues from Sacha Baron Cohen or Andy Kaufman, Phoenix’s transition into a shaggy-bearded, rapping homeless man is a giant hoax. From EW,

“He said, ‘It’s a put-on. I’m going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it,’” says one source who recently worked with Phoenix. Whatever his motivation or ultimate endgame, don’t expect him to break character anytime soon. “It’s an art project for him,” says a source. “He’s going full out. He probably has told his reps that he’s quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control.”

The only question is: How long will Phoenix continue to play the ruse? And will fans appreciate the joke?

Photo credit: PR Photos

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