Extended Interview: Sacha Baron Cohen

Okay, I want to start by going back to Okay, I want to start by going back to two moments early on seeing Monty two moments early on seeing Monty two moments early on seeing Monty Python's The Life of Brian and Inspector Python's The Life of Brian and Inspector Python's The Life of Brian and Inspector Kuso and the Pink Panther. Tell me how Kuso and the Pink Panther. Tell me how Kuso and the Pink Panther. Tell me how old you were when you saw The Pink old you were when you saw The Pink old you were when you saw The Pink Panther and what you thought about it. Panther and what you thought about it. Panther and what you thought about it. >> Pink Panther I think >> Pink Panther I think >> Pink Panther I think I think I was about nine and I thought I think I was about nine and I thought I think I was about nine and I thought was absolutely hilarious and I mean was absolutely hilarious and I mean was absolutely hilarious and I mean Cellers is still my favorite comedian Cellers is still my favorite comedian Cellers is still my favorite comedian >> of all time. >> of all time. >> of all time. >> Yes. Yeah. because [clears throat] he >> Yes. Yeah. because [clears throat] he >> Yes. Yeah. because [clears throat] he completely inhabited the character completely inhabited the character completely inhabited the character >> and it's laugh out loud funny >> and it's laugh out loud funny >> and it's laugh out loud funny >> and they are silly voices. >> and they are silly voices. >> and they are silly voices. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You know my stuff when you boil it down >> You know my stuff when you boil it down >> You know my stuff when you boil it down and I'll try and sound very pretentious and I'll try and sound very pretentious and I'll try and sound very pretentious later on. later on. later on. >> It's me doing silly voices. >> It's me doing silly voices. >> It's me doing silly voices. >> When you see Dr. Strange Love or you see >> When you see Dr. Strange Love or you see >> When you see Dr. Strange Love or you see Cluo Cluo Cluo >> Sellers is gone. He's subsumed by the >> Sellers is gone. He's subsumed by the >> Sellers is gone. He's subsumed by the character and I feel that way watching character and I feel that way watching character and I feel that way watching Bruno or Ali G or Borat. Bruno or Ali G or Borat. Bruno or Ali G or Borat. you're you're you're >> not there. Do you feel like you bring >> not there. Do you feel like you bring >> not there. Do you feel like you bring any element of of your actual self to any element of of your actual self to any element of of your actual self to some of the characters?

some of the characters? some of the characters? >> If I knew who I was, then I could answer >> If I knew who I was, then I could answer >> If I knew who I was, then I could answer that. But I don't know. I mean, Ali G that. But I don't know. I mean, Ali G that. But I don't know. I mean, Ali G definitely because in a way at the age definitely because in a way at the age definitely because in a way at the age of 11, I was an Ali G of sorts. How does of 11, I was an Ali G of sorts. How does of 11, I was an Ali G of sorts. How does a Jewish kid, you know, living a nice a Jewish kid, you know, living a nice a Jewish kid, you know, living a nice life think, okay, I'm gonna bring my life think, okay, I'm gonna bring my life think, okay, I'm gonna bring my lenolium to Coven Garden and I am gonna lenolium to Coven Garden and I am gonna lenolium to Coven Garden and I am gonna be break dancing. My mom is going to be break dancing. My mom is going to be break dancing. My mom is going to take me and I am how does that evolve? take me and I am how does that evolve? take me and I am how does that evolve? >> Uh, very simply, I basically >> Uh, very simply, I basically >> Uh, very simply, I basically I remember it. I saw one night on TV, I I remember it. I saw one night on TV, I I remember it. I saw one night on TV, I saw somebody doing the robot. saw somebody doing the robot. saw somebody doing the robot. >> It was two robots called Tick and Talk. >> It was two robots called Tick and Talk. >> It was two robots called Tick and Talk. And I thought that's amazing. And so I And I thought that's amazing. And so I And I thought that's amazing. And so I started doing it and then I started started doing it and then I started started doing it and then I started hearing music that were it was the hearing music that were it was the hearing music that were it was the beginning of hip-hop but it was prehip beginning of hip-hop but it was prehip beginning of hip-hop but it was prehip hop. It was electro and it was the start hop. It was electro and it was the start hop. It was electro and it was the start of this new exciting movement that was a of this new exciting movement that was a of this new exciting movement that was a lot more interesting than my actual lot more interesting than my actual lot more interesting than my actual life. And so I became obsessed by it and life. And so I became obsessed by it and life. And so I became obsessed by it and so I would learn it. I had a few friends so I would learn it. I had a few friends so I would learn it. I had a few friends >> and they were into it too.

>> and they were into it too. >> and they were into it too. >> And that's what we would do. We would go >> And that's what we would do. We would go >> And that's what we would do. We would go to the um classroom with the slippiest to the um classroom with the slippiest to the um classroom with the slippiest floor [laughter] and we would, you know, floor [laughter] and we would, you know, floor [laughter] and we would, you know, teach ourselves how to break and pop and teach ourselves how to break and pop and teach ourselves how to break and pop and then on the weekends I would perform and then on the weekends I would perform and then on the weekends I would perform and go to Covent Garden and try and make go to Covent Garden and try and make go to Covent Garden and try and make money doing that. money doing that. money doing that. >> Uh-huh. And what was your what was your >> Uh-huh. And what was your what was your >> Uh-huh. And what was your what was your home life like? Your your mom was a home life like? Your your mom was a home life like? Your your mom was a fitness teacher? fitness teacher? fitness teacher? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Your dad was a a magazine editor turned >> Your dad was a a magazine editor turned >> Your dad was a a magazine editor turned accountant. Were they funny? accountant. Were they funny? accountant. Were they funny? >> Yes. Not both intentionally. My dad was >> Yes. Not both intentionally. My dad was >> Yes. Not both intentionally. My dad was an incredible wit. Uhhuh. an incredible wit. Uhhuh. an incredible wit. Uhhuh. >> And an amazing intellectual and very >> And an amazing intellectual and very >> And an amazing intellectual and very courageous. He was the kind of wit where courageous. He was the kind of wit where courageous. He was the kind of wit where every single sentence was funny. every single sentence was funny. every single sentence was funny. >> And he would enjoy sparring with certain >> And he would enjoy sparring with certain >> And he would enjoy sparring with certain other witty people in the community, but other witty people in the community, but other witty people in the community, but where it would be literally a battle of where it would be literally a battle of where it would be literally a battle of wits. So every line is a joke wits. So every line is a joke wits. So every line is a joke >> and >> and >> and also very serious, very intellectual, also very serious, very intellectual, also very serious, very intellectual, very political. And my mom was very political. And my mom was very political. And my mom was hilarious, but probably not hilarious, but probably not hilarious, but probably not intentionally. So, intentionally. So, intentionally. So, >> can you give me an example?

>> can you give me an example? >> can you give me an example? >> Well, she has a voice like this. >> Well, she has a voice like this. >> Well, she has a voice like this. Sorry if you're watching this. Um, and Sorry if you're watching this. Um, and Sorry if you're watching this. Um, and she had such a she had such a she had such a distinct voice that everyone in my high distinct voice that everyone in my high distinct voice that everyone in my high school could imitate it. So, everyone school could imitate it. So, everyone school could imitate it. So, everyone would go Sasha Telephone because that's would go Sasha Telephone because that's would go Sasha Telephone because that's what she would say when people would what she would say when people would what she would say when people would call me. She's a larger than-l life call me. She's a larger than-l life call me. She's a larger than-l life character. I mean, she's unintentionally character. I mean, she's unintentionally character. I mean, she's unintentionally hilarious and sometimes intentionally hilarious and sometimes intentionally hilarious and sometimes intentionally hilarious. The elements of hilarious. The elements of hilarious. The elements of Borat in that she would say whatever is Borat in that she would say whatever is Borat in that she would say whatever is on her mind on her mind on her mind >> because she have that same kind of Borat >> because she have that same kind of Borat >> because she have that same kind of Borat like that winsome, you know, she like that winsome, you know, she like that winsome, you know, she couldn't she wouldn't harm anyone couldn't she wouldn't harm anyone couldn't she wouldn't harm anyone intentionally kind of feeling. intentionally kind of feeling. intentionally kind of feeling. >> Yes. Is I mean Yeah. Yeah. wild >> Yes. Is I mean Yeah. Yeah. wild >> Yes. Is I mean Yeah. Yeah. wild amazing character full of love and you amazing character full of love and you amazing character full of love and you know I grew up in a house full of love know I grew up in a house full of love know I grew up in a house full of love and where we were all told that we could and where we were all told that we could and where we were all told that we could be whatever we wanted to be. be whatever we wanted to be. be whatever we wanted to be. >> So tell me about seeing life of Bryant.

>> So tell me about seeing life of Bryant. >> So tell me about seeing life of Bryant. Tell me what does Monty Python do when Tell me what does Monty Python do when Tell me what does Monty Python do when you first see them? What does that do to you first see them? What does that do to you first see them? What does that do to you? you? you? >> Okay, so I believe it was an 18 and I >> Okay, so I believe it was an 18 and I >> Okay, so I believe it was an 18 and I think I was six, seven, eight. My think I was six, seven, eight. My think I was six, seven, eight. My brothers brought me into a cinema and it brothers brought me into a cinema and it brothers brought me into a cinema and it was the first time that I'd been in this was the first time that I'd been in this was the first time that I'd been in this commino experience of hundreds of people commino experience of hundreds of people commino experience of hundreds of people laughing and screaming in shock. And I laughing and screaming in shock. And I laughing and screaming in shock. And I think, you know, I I'm really not think, you know, I I'm really not think, you know, I I'm really not self-aware at all. And I probably should self-aware at all. And I probably should self-aware at all. And I probably should get some therapy before I do one of get some therapy before I do one of get some therapy before I do one of these again. But I think in some ways my these again. But I think in some ways my these again. But I think in some ways my career is trying to replicate that career is trying to replicate that career is trying to replicate that experience of just being in a theater experience of just being in a theater experience of just being in a theater with hundreds of people screaming with with hundreds of people screaming with with hundreds of people screaming with laughter. laughter. laughter. >> I don't think I really understood the >> I don't think I really understood the >> I don't think I really understood the satire at the time, but I loved the satire at the time, but I loved the satire at the time, but I loved the experience. And I think experience. And I think experience. And I think that might be why I'm so obsessed with that might be why I'm so obsessed with that might be why I'm so obsessed with trying to get the audience to laugh as trying to get the audience to laugh as trying to get the audience to laugh as hard as they can. and I'm really really hard as they can. and I'm really really hard as they can. and I'm really really obsessive about that.

obsessive about that. obsessive about that. >> How was the entertainment at your bar >> How was the entertainment at your bar >> How was the entertainment at your bar mitzvah? mitzvah? mitzvah? >> Uh the entertainment at my bar mitzvah >> Uh the entertainment at my bar mitzvah >> Uh the entertainment at my bar mitzvah was me. So I and my break dancing was me. So I and my break dancing was me. So I and my break dancing partner just basically danced and then partner just basically danced and then partner just basically danced and then my middle brother did the music. He's a my middle brother did the music. He's a my middle brother did the music. He's a musician. musician. musician. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So that was it. He went on to study >> So that was it. He went on to study >> So that was it. He went on to study history at Cambridge University where history at Cambridge University where history at Cambridge University where Baron Cohen discovered the stage. Baron Cohen discovered the stage. Baron Cohen discovered the stage. >> I realized I loved making people laugh, >> I realized I loved making people laugh, >> I realized I loved making people laugh, but I also really like making them cry. but I also really like making them cry. but I also really like making them cry. Um, on stage, Um, on stage, Um, on stage, >> you give people the full emotion. >> you give people the full emotion. >> you give people the full emotion. >> I want to give them their Yeah. bang for >> I want to give them their Yeah. bang for >> I want to give them their Yeah. bang for their buck. I really do. I do. their buck. I really do. I do. their buck. I really do. I do. >> How do your parents react when you >> How do your parents react when you >> How do your parents react when you finish Cambridge and you say, "I think I finish Cambridge and you say, "I think I finish Cambridge and you say, "I think I want to be a actor." want to be a actor." want to be a actor." >> They thought it was a ridiculous idea. >> They thought it was a ridiculous idea. >> They thought it was a ridiculous idea. It was just an impossibility. They were It was just an impossibility. They were It was just an impossibility. They were right. They were actually correct. Well, right. They were actually correct. Well, right. They were actually correct. Well, no. no. no. >> Well, it was so it would have been >> Well, it was so it would have been >> Well, it was so it would have been irresponsible for them to support me irresponsible for them to support me irresponsible for them to support me >> because the likelihood of success was >> because the likelihood of success was >> because the likelihood of success was seemed impossible. So, I gave myself seemed impossible. So, I gave myself seemed impossible. So, I gave myself five years to make it. What do I mean by five years to make it. What do I mean by five years to make it. What do I mean by make it to have enough money to live make it to have enough money to live make it to have enough money to live basically, you know? So, I wasn't trying basically, you know? So, I wasn't trying basically, you know? So, I wasn't trying to become famous, but I go five years to to become famous, but I go five years to to become famous, but I go five years to make it. And you decide to devote some make it. And you decide to devote some make it. And you decide to devote some of those five years to going to the of those five years to going to the of those five years to going to the Harvard of Clown school with the famous Harvard of Clown school with the famous Harvard of Clown school with the famous clown teacher.

clown teacher. clown teacher. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Tell us about him. Tell us about what >> Tell us about him. Tell us about what >> Tell us about him. Tell us about what you learned there. you learned there. you learned there. >> So I'm in Cambridge and a guy comes back >> So I'm in Cambridge and a guy comes back >> So I'm in Cambridge and a guy comes back called Rick Warden. I remember this now. called Rick Warden. I remember this now. called Rick Warden. I remember this now. Brilliant actor. And he says, "I've just Brilliant actor. And he says, "I've just Brilliant actor. And he says, "I've just done this course. It's amazing. There's done this course. It's amazing. There's done this course. It's amazing. There's this guy called Philip Golier and this guy called Philip Golier and this guy called Philip Golier and there's this thing called clown and they there's this thing called clown and they there's this thing called clown and they put on a red nose and you just pretend put on a red nose and you just pretend put on a red nose and you just pretend to be an idiot and it's incredible. His to be an idiot and it's incredible. His to be an idiot and it's incredible. His idea of clown was the stupidest idea of clown was the stupidest idea of clown was the stupidest creature that can ever be on stage. He creature that can ever be on stage. He creature that can ever be on stage. He used to say more stupid than this and used to say more stupid than this and used to say more stupid than this and you die. Uh sorry for the cultural you die. Uh sorry for the cultural you die. Uh sorry for the cultural appropriation, the French accent. appropriation, the French accent. appropriation, the French accent. >> And what'd you learn? >> And what'd you learn? >> And what'd you learn? >> Everything. Everything. He was my >> Everything. Everything. He was my >> Everything. Everything. He was my mentor. Firstly, he gave me the mentor. Firstly, he gave me the mentor. Firstly, he gave me the confidence to carry on because he would confidence to carry on because he would confidence to carry on because he would sit down with everyone at the end and he sit down with everyone at the end and he sit down with everyone at the end and he said, "You can do anything." And a lot said, "You can do anything." And a lot said, "You can do anything." And a lot of the people he would tell them, of the people he would tell them, of the people he would tell them, "Forget it. "Forget it. "Forget it. >> You can do nothing." >> You can do nothing." >> You can do nothing." >> Yeah. You could do nothing. It was >> Yeah. You could do nothing. It was >> Yeah. You could do nothing. It was brutal in that you'd have people flying brutal in that you'd have people flying brutal in that you'd have people flying from Australia, they'd come and he'd from Australia, they'd come and he'd from Australia, they'd come and he'd say, they would come on, he'd play this say, they would come on, he'd play this say, they would come on, he'd play this clown music with sort of the accordians.

clown music with sort of the accordians. clown music with sort of the accordians. It'd stop and they would have to make It'd stop and they would have to make It'd stop and they would have to make him laugh. If they didn't make him him laugh. If they didn't make him him laugh. If they didn't make him laugh, he'd hit a drum and he'd go sit laugh, he'd hit a drum and he'd go sit laugh, he'd hit a drum and he'd go sit and I wouldn't sit and I'd stay up and I wouldn't sit and I'd stay up and I wouldn't sit and I'd stay up sometimes for and he'd let me stay up sometimes for and he'd let me stay up sometimes for and he'd let me stay up there sometimes for 10 minutes, 20 there sometimes for 10 minutes, 20 there sometimes for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour. minutes, an hour. minutes, an hour. >> People were very resentful, >> People were very resentful, >> People were very resentful, >> but it was me experimenting being a >> but it was me experimenting being a >> but it was me experimenting being a clown clown clown >> and >> and >> and uh it transformed everything. I've heard uh it transformed everything. I've heard uh it transformed everything. I've heard you say that you knew Alli G needed this you say that you knew Alli G needed this you say that you knew Alli G needed this whiff of ethnicity because then if he whiff of ethnicity because then if he whiff of ethnicity because then if he was just breathtakingly stupid, there was just breathtakingly stupid, there was just breathtakingly stupid, there was this possibility that people would was this possibility that people would was this possibility that people would chalk it up to him being a member of the chalk it up to him being a member of the chalk it up to him being a member of the uneducated ethnic masses. Is that about uneducated ethnic masses. Is that about uneducated ethnic masses. Is that about accurate? accurate? accurate? >> Well, Ali G is a white imbecile. He's a >> Well, Ali G is a white imbecile. He's a >> Well, Ali G is a white imbecile. He's a cultural appropriator. cultural appropriator. cultural appropriator. um he steals um he steals um he steals his language and his dress from his his language and his dress from his his language and his dress from his favorite music stars. So Tupac Shakur, favorite music stars. So Tupac Shakur, favorite music stars. So Tupac Shakur, that's why he's does Westside and you that's why he's does Westside and you that's why he's does Westside and you know the Jamaican patwa from Jamaican know the Jamaican patwa from Jamaican know the Jamaican patwa from Jamaican dancehole stars that he's listening to.

dancehole stars that he's listening to. dancehole stars that he's listening to. But so his full name is Alistister But so his full name is Alistister But so his full name is Alistister Leslie Graham. But yes, shortening him Leslie Graham. But yes, shortening him Leslie Graham. But yes, shortening him to Ali, there was the assumption that to Ali, there was the assumption that to Ali, there was the assumption that these members of the predominantly white these members of the predominantly white these members of the predominantly white establishment, well, they were actually establishment, well, they were actually establishment, well, they were actually all white in those days, would assume all white in those days, would assume all white in those days, would assume that maybe there was some ethnicity that maybe there was some ethnicity that maybe there was some ethnicity there, and that their prejudice might there, and that their prejudice might there, and that their prejudice might lead them to think that maybe he could lead them to think that maybe he could lead them to think that maybe he could actually be that stupid because of their actually be that stupid because of their actually be that stupid because of their own innate prejudice. own innate prejudice. own innate prejudice. >> Yeah. you know, but no, you know, I >> Yeah. you know, but no, you know, I >> Yeah. you know, but no, you know, I never wore any makeup. There was no, he never wore any makeup. There was no, he never wore any makeup. There was no, he never spoke about his ethnicity to them never spoke about his ethnicity to them never spoke about his ethnicity to them as well, other than later on there were as well, other than later on there were as well, other than later on there were a couple of times where he said, "Is it a couple of times where he said, "Is it a couple of times where he said, "Is it because I was black?" because I was black?" because I was black?" >> Yes. You know, >> Yes. You know, >> Yes. You know, >> to our own Andy Rooney. >> to our own Andy Rooney. >> to our own Andy Rooney. >> To Andy Rooney. >> To Andy Rooney. >> To Andy Rooney. >> And And I remember Andy Rooney saying, >> And And I remember Andy Rooney saying, >> And And I remember Andy Rooney saying, "Who's black?" "Who's black?" "Who's black?" >> Yeah. Exactly. Well, because I'm not >> Yeah. Exactly. Well, because I'm not >> Yeah. Exactly. Well, because I'm not wearing makeup. I'm clearly this white wearing makeup. I'm clearly this white wearing makeup. I'm clearly this white guy in the room. guy in the room. guy in the room. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The catchphrase, "Is it because I was >> The catchphrase, "Is it because I was >> The catchphrase, "Is it because I was black?" black?" black?" sort of spread like wildfire through sort of spread like wildfire through sort of spread like wildfire through England and it was completely impromptu.

England and it was completely impromptu. England and it was completely impromptu. I was in this show called the 11:00 show I was in this show called the 11:00 show I was in this show called the 11:00 show and I went to an environmental protest and I went to an environmental protest and I went to an environmental protest and I jumped the barricades. There were and I jumped the barricades. There were and I jumped the barricades. There were police there trying to stop these police there trying to stop these police there trying to stop these environmental protesters. They're environmental protesters. They're environmental protesters. They're stopping this construction going on. And stopping this construction going on. And stopping this construction going on. And this policeman stopped me and I said, this policeman stopped me and I said, this policeman stopped me and I said, "Is it because I was black?" And we "Is it because I was black?" And we "Is it because I was black?" And we played it out that night to the audience played it out that night to the audience played it out that night to the audience and they themselves. Why? and they themselves. Why? and they themselves. Why? And this is my own sort of theory on And this is my own sort of theory on And this is my own sort of theory on comedy, right? So comedy, right? So comedy, right? So which is the brain expects which is the brain expects which is the brain expects a certain line when you're saying a a certain line when you're saying a a certain line when you're saying a sentence. So when they hear the words is sentence. So when they hear the words is sentence. So when they hear the words is it cause I is they would expect white it cause I is they would expect white it cause I is they would expect white tall a man tall a man tall a man wearing a yellow suit. The thing that wearing a yellow suit. The thing that wearing a yellow suit. The thing that they're least expecting the audience is they're least expecting the audience is they're least expecting the audience is black. The brain suddenly has to go from black. The brain suddenly has to go from black. The brain suddenly has to go from there. It hears something over here. And there. It hears something over here. And there. It hears something over here. And that distance makes them laugh. that distance makes them laugh. that distance makes them laugh. >> I can't waste my time. H.

>> I can't waste my time. H. >> I can't waste my time. H. >> Is it because I was black? >> Is it because I was black? >> Is it because I was black? >> You're black. >> You're black. >> You're black. >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Who's black? >> Who's black? >> Who's black? >> Your eyes. [snorts] >> Your eyes. [snorts] >> Your eyes. [snorts] >> No, I don't want to do this anymore. I >> No, I don't want to do this anymore. I >> No, I don't want to do this anymore. I don't I don't I don't I don't have time. don't I don't I don't I don't have time. don't I don't I don't I don't have time. >> Do you remember a moment when you >> Do you remember a moment when you >> Do you remember a moment when you approached some skateboarders as Ali G approached some skateboarders as Ali G approached some skateboarders as Ali G and they believed you were him? and they believed you were him? and they believed you were him? >> Yes. Can you describe that to me and was >> Yes. Can you describe that to me and was >> Yes. Can you describe that to me and was that a kind of breakthrough moment for that a kind of breakthrough moment for that a kind of breakthrough moment for you with this character? you with this character? you with this character? >> Yeah. So, it was a breakthrough moment >> Yeah. So, it was a breakthrough moment >> Yeah. So, it was a breakthrough moment for me in my entire career and my life. for me in my entire career and my life. for me in my entire career and my life. So, I wanted to be a comedian, but I was So, I wanted to be a comedian, but I was So, I wanted to be a comedian, but I was embarrassed to tell anyone that I wanted embarrassed to tell anyone that I wanted embarrassed to tell anyone that I wanted to be a comedian because it's a bit like to be a comedian because it's a bit like to be a comedian because it's a bit like saying, "I want to be a supermodel." You saying, "I want to be a supermodel." You saying, "I want to be a supermodel." You know, then people go, "Well, you're not know, then people go, "Well, you're not know, then people go, "Well, you're not actually very good-looking, so you actually very good-looking, so you actually very good-looking, so you people." people." people." >> It's a secret. >> It's a secret. >> It's a secret. >> So, exactly. No one knows this. I was >> So, exactly. No one knows this. I was >> So, exactly. No one knows this. I was hosting a show called F2F, but I wanted hosting a show called F2F, but I wanted hosting a show called F2F, but I wanted to be a comedian. So, I had this idea to be a comedian. So, I had this idea to be a comedian. So, I had this idea that in the breaks, you know, the one that in the breaks, you know, the one that in the breaks, you know, the one minute break to get from this part of minute break to get from this part of minute break to get from this part of the studio to that part of the studio, the studio to that part of the studio, the studio to that part of the studio, we would cut to me doing a character. we would cut to me doing a character. we would cut to me doing a character. So, I came up with this character called So, I came up with this character called So, I came up with this character called MC Joselyn Cheidel Hume.

MC Joselyn Cheidel Hume. MC Joselyn Cheidel Hume. >> Yo, what's up, homie? This is MC Joselyn >> Yo, what's up, homie? This is MC Joselyn >> Yo, what's up, homie? This is MC Joselyn Cheetel Hume making it real. Cheetel Hume making it real. Cheetel Hume making it real. >> He was this upper class kid who did all >> He was this upper class kid who did all >> He was this upper class kid who did all the same catchphrases as Ali G, but he the same catchphrases as Ali G, but he the same catchphrases as Ali G, but he was upper class. says, "Buyaka bua, you was upper class. says, "Buyaka bua, you was upper class. says, "Buyaka bua, you know, jungle massive." And I start know, jungle massive." And I start know, jungle massive." And I start skateboarding terribly and they go, skateboarding terribly and they go, skateboarding terribly and they go, "You're you're crap, man. You're whack." "You're you're crap, man. You're whack." "You're you're crap, man. You're whack." After about 5 minutes, I went back to my After about 5 minutes, I went back to my After about 5 minutes, I went back to my real voice. I said, "Guys, I'm real voice. I said, "Guys, I'm real voice. I said, "Guys, I'm pretending. This is this is a pretending. This is this is a pretending. This is this is a character." They were shocked. At the character." They were shocked. At the character." They were shocked. At the end of the hour, I get called by the end of the hour, I get called by the end of the hour, I get called by the head boss. head boss. head boss. >> He says, "If you try that again, you're >> He says, "If you try that again, you're >> He says, "If you try that again, you're fired." fired." fired." >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> And then I knew I was on to something. >> And then I knew I was on to something. >> And then I knew I was on to something. So the core idea of Ali G was I thought So the core idea of Ali G was I thought So the core idea of Ali G was I thought would it be funny to have the world would it be funny to have the world would it be funny to have the world expert in something with the biggest expert in something with the biggest expert in something with the biggest idiot in the world. idiot in the world. idiot in the world. >> You know would that justosition be >> You know would that justosition be >> You know would that justosition be really funny really funny really funny >> if the world expert takes it seriously? >> if the world expert takes it seriously? >> if the world expert takes it seriously? >> Right. And apparently yes. >> Right. And apparently yes. >> Right. And apparently yes. >> Boom boom shake the >> Boom boom shake the >> Boom boom shake the >> when you called C. Ever Coupe, the >> when you called C. Ever Coupe, the >> when you called C. Ever Coupe, the surgeon general, a player hater, cuz he surgeon general, a player hater, cuz he surgeon general, a player hater, cuz he told you that you would definitely die told you that you would definitely die told you that you would definitely die at some point. Can you tell me what you at some point. Can you tell me what you at some point. Can you tell me what you remember about that interview?

remember about that interview? remember about that interview? >> It was a fantastic interview. You know >> It was a fantastic interview. You know >> It was a fantastic interview. You know what I remember most clearly? what I remember most clearly? what I remember most clearly? >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Which is great for every interviewer out >> Which is great for every interviewer out >> Which is great for every interviewer out there. I kept on telling him these there. I kept on telling him these there. I kept on telling him these stupid questions like, you know, ain't stupid questions like, you know, ain't stupid questions like, you know, ain't the heart a bit crap, you know, don't the heart a bit crap, you know, don't the heart a bit crap, you know, don't shouldn't it have a different rhythm shouldn't it have a different rhythm shouldn't it have a different rhythm because at the moment it's boom boom because at the moment it's boom boom because at the moment it's boom boom boom boom, but what about a Then they would look after it and go, Then they would look after it and go, "Yo, this is me. Respect it." No, you're "Yo, this is me. Respect it." No, you're "Yo, this is me. Respect it." No, you're way off base there. way off base there. way off base there. >> So you start doing Ali G and people >> So you start doing Ali G and people >> So you start doing Ali G and people immediately are responsive. immediately are responsive. immediately are responsive. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But the thing I find this so >> But the thing I find this so >> But the thing I find this so fascinating. The thing that makes him fascinating. The thing that makes him fascinating. The thing that makes him and you a household name is this and you a household name is this and you a household name is this controversy that erupts in the British controversy that erupts in the British controversy that erupts in the British press about whether Ali G is a racist press about whether Ali G is a racist press about whether Ali G is a racist creation. Can you take me through the creation. Can you take me through the creation. Can you take me through the arguments on both sides of that and what arguments on both sides of that and what arguments on both sides of that and what you made of it? you made of it? you made of it? >> Okay, so >> Okay, so >> Okay, so at this point for the first at this point for the first at this point for the first five, six, seven years of my fame, I five, six, seven years of my fame, I five, six, seven years of my fame, I didn't give any interviews.

didn't give any interviews. didn't give any interviews. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> So I never explained who Alli G was. >> So I never explained who Alli G was. >> So I never explained who Alli G was. Why? Because I didn't want to get into Why? Because I didn't want to get into Why? Because I didn't want to get into an interview situation and the person an interview situation and the person an interview situation and the person go, "Wait a minute. I saw you give an go, "Wait a minute. I saw you give an go, "Wait a minute. I saw you give an interview. you're interview. you're interview. you're >> you're this Cambridge educated >> you're this Cambridge educated >> you're this Cambridge educated middle-ass Jewish guy, right? middle-ass Jewish guy, right? middle-ass Jewish guy, right? >> I wanted to do everything so that I >> I wanted to do everything so that I >> I wanted to do everything so that I could carry on doing Alley and secretly could carry on doing Alley and secretly could carry on doing Alley and secretly I wanted to do borat as well. I wanted to do borat as well. I wanted to do borat as well. >> So, as a result, all the imagery for LG, >> So, as a result, all the imagery for LG, >> So, as a result, all the imagery for LG, all the posters was me covering my face all the posters was me covering my face all the posters was me covering my face or just really close-up stuff so that no or just really close-up stuff so that no or just really close-up stuff so that no one would recognize me. It was an one would recognize me. It was an one would recognize me. It was an amazing time because I became very amazing time because I became very amazing time because I became very famous, but nobody knew what I looked famous, but nobody knew what I looked famous, but nobody knew what I looked like. So I would be on the tube, the like. So I would be on the tube, the like. So I would be on the tube, the underground, hearing people talk about underground, hearing people talk about underground, hearing people talk about Ali G. They'd be sitting next to me. Ali G. They'd be sitting next to me. Ali G. They'd be sitting next to me. >> Did it upset you to think that there was >> Did it upset you to think that there was >> Did it upset you to think that there was a contingent of society that thought you a contingent of society that thought you a contingent of society that thought you were part of something racist were part of something racist were part of something racist >> or you or did you just know they were >> or you or did you just know they were >> or you or did you just know they were wrong so you weren't worried? wrong so you weren't worried? wrong so you weren't worried? >> It was the worst insult you could give >> It was the worst insult you could give >> It was the worst insult you could give me. And so I was kind of desperate to go me. And so I was kind of desperate to go me. And so I was kind of desperate to go guys, I want to tell and the rest of the guys, I want to tell and the rest of the guys, I want to tell and the rest of the team were like team were like team were like >> just stay in character. Just do the >> just stay in character. Just do the >> just stay in character. Just do the show. Mhm.

show. Mhm. show. Mhm. >> So, I mean, it's interesting that's also >> So, I mean, it's interesting that's also >> So, I mean, it's interesting that's also it's interesting to clear these things it's interesting to clear these things it's interesting to clear these things up. Now, some people won't be convinced. up. Now, some people won't be convinced. up. Now, some people won't be convinced. Everyone's entitled to their own Everyone's entitled to their own Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. opinion. opinion. >> I can only really explain how I came up >> I can only really explain how I came up >> I can only really explain how I came up with the character and what how it was with the character and what how it was with the character and what how it was intended. intended. intended. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And how what his influences were. You >> And how what his influences were. You >> And how what his influences were. You know, this is the other thing about the know, this is the other thing about the know, this is the other thing about the beginning of the Ali G thing. So, this beginning of the Ali G thing. So, this beginning of the Ali G thing. So, this was the first time people had seen a was the first time people had seen a was the first time people had seen a character with real people, character with real people, character with real people, >> right? So, I understand the criticism at >> right? So, I understand the criticism at >> right? So, I understand the criticism at the time because it's hard to conceive the time because it's hard to conceive the time because it's hard to conceive that this is a guy playing a character that this is a guy playing a character that this is a guy playing a character because no one was playing a character because no one was playing a character because no one was playing a character with real people. This was a new form of with real people. This was a new form of with real people. This was a new form of comedy. Yeah. comedy. Yeah. comedy. Yeah. >> This was the undercover character comedy >> This was the undercover character comedy >> This was the undercover character comedy that I had tried to pitch. that I had tried to pitch. that I had tried to pitch. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, obviously thinking back at it now, >> So, obviously thinking back at it now, >> So, obviously thinking back at it now, >> you'd go, "Oh, that is Sasha Baron >> you'd go, "Oh, that is Sasha Baron >> you'd go, "Oh, that is Sasha Baron Cohen." you know, Sasha Baron Cohen is Cohen." you know, Sasha Baron Cohen is Cohen." you know, Sasha Baron Cohen is this guy who's, you know, taking these this guy who's, you know, taking these this guy who's, you know, taking these phrases from rappers and, you know, phrases from rappers and, you know, phrases from rappers and, you know, rugger stars and that's not okay. They rugger stars and that's not okay. They rugger stars and that's not okay. They didn't realize, I think, that I was a didn't realize, I think, that I was a didn't realize, I think, that I was a guy playing this white idiot. guy playing this white idiot. guy playing this white idiot. >> Well, because you'd created something >> Well, because you'd created something >> Well, because you'd created something new.

new. new. >> Yeah, it was something new. And so, when >> Yeah, it was something new. And so, when >> Yeah, it was something new. And so, when you create something new, it can either you create something new, it can either you create something new, it can either fail and it can be misinterpreted and it fail and it can be misinterpreted and it fail and it can be misinterpreted and it can work. Borat. Borat. >> We talked a little bit about the origins >> We talked a little bit about the origins >> We talked a little bit about the origins of Borat. Um, tell me what's going on of Borat. Um, tell me what's going on of Borat. Um, tell me what's going on for you when you decide to make Cultural for you when you decide to make Cultural for you when you decide to make Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Learnings of America for Make Benefit Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. >> I went to America >> I went to America >> I went to America >> and I had a meeting with Jim Brooks, you >> and I had a meeting with Jim Brooks, you >> and I had a meeting with Jim Brooks, you know, created the Simpsons know, created the Simpsons know, created the Simpsons tax legend. So, I spent a couple hours tax legend. So, I spent a couple hours tax legend. So, I spent a couple hours with him. with him. with him. of kind of four days in a row. And we of kind of four days in a row. And we of kind of four days in a row. And we kind of worked out how to do a sort of kind of worked out how to do a sort of kind of worked out how to do a sort of narrative structure with Borat. narrative structure with Borat. narrative structure with Borat. >> Mh. >> Mh. >> Mh. >> And >> And >> And you know that was the dilemma. You know, you know that was the dilemma. You know, you know that was the dilemma. You know, was Borat going to be a scripted comedy? was Borat going to be a scripted comedy? was Borat going to be a scripted comedy? And I was working with Matt and Trey And I was working with Matt and Trey And I was working with Matt and Trey from South Park. They came up with a from South Park. They came up with a from South Park. They came up with a brilliant scripted thing. The three of brilliant scripted thing. The three of brilliant scripted thing. The three of us were working on this plot. And it was us were working on this plot. And it was us were working on this plot. And it was Bill Freriedkin Bill Freriedkin Bill Freriedkin who I had dinner with. uh this legendary who I had dinner with. uh this legendary who I had dinner with. uh this legendary director and he said, "You've got to director and he said, "You've got to director and he said, "You've got to make it in the real world.

make it in the real world. make it in the real world. >> You have to do the core thing." >> You have to do the core thing." >> You have to do the core thing." >> Hello. Thank you. Um >> Hello. Thank you. Um >> Hello. Thank you. Um >> we are actually live on the air right >> we are actually live on the air right >> we are actually live on the air right now. now. now. >> I am very excited. >> I am very excited. >> I am very excited. >> Yes, it's >> Yes, it's >> Yes, it's >> Hello USA. >> Hello USA. >> Hello USA. >> Hello US and I are very excited. >> Hello US and I are very excited. >> Hello US and I are very excited. >> So when you're making Boret, obviously >> So when you're making Boret, obviously >> So when you're making Boret, obviously you meticulously plan ahead. Yeah. And you meticulously plan ahead. Yeah. And you meticulously plan ahead. Yeah. And you know, it's not like you and your you know, it's not like you and your you know, it's not like you and your merry band of producers is just going merry band of producers is just going merry band of producers is just going into antique stores. >> There's a huge amount of stuff that you >> There's a huge amount of stuff that you don't see, which is us behind the scenes don't see, which is us behind the scenes don't see, which is us behind the scenes looking at who we were interviewing looking at who we were interviewing looking at who we were interviewing going, they not them, not them. going, they not them, not them. going, they not them, not them. Who is this lady you have shrunk? Was Who is this lady you have shrunk? Was Who is this lady you have shrunk? Was she the owner of this house that you she the owner of this house that you she the owner of this house that you camp in front of? There's a couple more. camp in front of? There's a couple more. camp in front of? There's a couple more. >> And so the experiment was we went into >> And so the experiment was we went into >> And so the experiment was we went into Fox and I said, you know, this is going Fox and I said, you know, this is going Fox and I said, you know, this is going to be a movie where real people to be a movie where real people to be a movie where real people move the narrative forward move the narrative forward move the narrative forward and they are actually they are unaware and they are actually they are unaware and they are actually they are unaware they're in a movie. Now obviously I they're in a movie. Now obviously I they're in a movie. Now obviously I didn't believe that it would happen. I didn't believe that it would happen. I didn't believe that it would happen. I just thought, you know, I'm just going just thought, you know, I'm just going just thought, you know, I'm just going to say it. So they said, "All right, try to say it. So they said, "All right, try to say it. So they said, "All right, try it out." You know, here's the money.

it out." You know, here's the money. it out." You know, here's the money. It's $14 million. It's $14 million. It's $14 million. And the first scene came about and it And the first scene came about and it And the first scene came about and it was bull rat buying a car. you know, I was bull rat buying a car. you know, I was bull rat buying a car. you know, I want the wagon, you know, and they go, want the wagon, you know, and they go, want the wagon, you know, and they go, "Well, it's not exactly like that." And "Well, it's not exactly like that." And "Well, it's not exactly like that." And this guy says, "Well, we don't have this guy says, "Well, we don't have this guy says, "Well, we don't have that, but well, we Sorry, my accents are that, but well, we Sorry, my accents are that, but well, we Sorry, my accents are awful, but we do have this." And he awful, but we do have this." And he awful, but we do have this." And he points to an ice cream truck. And so I I points to an ice cream truck. And so I I points to an ice cream truck. And so I I knew I was like, "Oh, this is a bit in knew I was like, "Oh, this is a bit in knew I was like, "Oh, this is a bit in the movie where Borat comes into the the movie where Borat comes into the the movie where Borat comes into the movie, this scene, wanting that, and the movie, this scene, wanting that, and the movie, this scene, wanting that, and the real person shifts the story into real person shifts the story into real person shifts the story into something else." I was like, "Oh, wow. something else." I was like, "Oh, wow. something else." I was like, "Oh, wow. The theory works. You know, Bull Rat is again a funny You know, Bull Rat is again a funny character, but also to he also shows the character, but also to he also shows the character, but also to he also shows the kindness of people as well who are so kindness of people as well who are so kindness of people as well who are so nice to him, nice to him, nice to him, >> but also can expose, you know, the layer >> but also can expose, you know, the layer >> but also can expose, you know, the layer of hate and bigotry below the surface of hate and bigotry below the surface of hate and bigotry below the surface that people normally wouldn't that people normally wouldn't that people normally wouldn't >> go on air and >> go on air and >> go on air and >> and show.

>> and show. >> and show. >> Come on and make my day, Jew. >> Come on and make my day, Jew. >> Come on and make my day, Jew. M M M >> I guess what I wonder is have you felt >> I guess what I wonder is have you felt >> I guess what I wonder is have you felt conflicted or guilty about conflicted or guilty about conflicted or guilty about baiting someone into making a complete baiting someone into making a complete baiting someone into making a complete fool of themselves? fool of themselves? fool of themselves? >> Okay. Well, I think a lot of the times >> Okay. Well, I think a lot of the times >> Okay. Well, I think a lot of the times they're not making fools of themselves. they're not making fools of themselves. they're not making fools of themselves. Uh I think a lot of those in the Alley G Uh I think a lot of those in the Alley G Uh I think a lot of those in the Alley G interviews they come ac across well interviews they come ac across well interviews they come ac across well actually. actually. actually. >> Uh I think the same with Borat. >> Uh I think the same with Borat. >> Uh I think the same with Borat. >> We would often shoot in places that were >> We would often shoot in places that were >> We would often shoot in places that were famous for civil rights abuses. We'd go famous for civil rights abuses. We'd go famous for civil rights abuses. We'd go to Little Rock, Arkansas. to Little Rock, Arkansas. to Little Rock, Arkansas. Um, we would, you know, we would go to Um, we would, you know, we would go to Um, we would, you know, we would go to Atlanta. We would go to places where we Atlanta. We would go to places where we Atlanta. We would go to places where we felt we would find the kind of people felt we would find the kind of people felt we would find the kind of people whose views that we didn't agree with. whose views that we didn't agree with. whose views that we didn't agree with. off. I'm Bruno. off. I'm Bruno. off. I'm Bruno. Do you think it's fair to say that that Do you think it's fair to say that that Do you think it's fair to say that that what you're doing throughout all of your what you're doing throughout all of your what you're doing throughout all of your undercover work is you're putting these undercover work is you're putting these undercover work is you're putting these people through moral tests and the more people through moral tests and the more people through moral tests and the more spectacularly they fail them, the better spectacularly they fail them, the better spectacularly they fail them, the better it is for the movie. Right.

it is for the movie. Right. it is for the movie. Right. >> I think it's a variety. I think all the >> I think it's a variety. I think all the >> I think it's a variety. I think all the characters work in different ways. Bruno characters work in different ways. Bruno characters work in different ways. Bruno exposes homophobia. Um exposes homophobia. Um exposes homophobia. Um >> and people respond to him differently. >> and people respond to him differently. >> and people respond to him differently. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Than any of the other characters, right? >> Than any of the other characters, right? >> Than any of the other characters, right? >> Yes. So they all respond to all they're >> Yes. So they all respond to all they're >> Yes. So they all respond to all they're all designed to expose something. So all designed to expose something. So all designed to expose something. So Bruno is also about the vacuousness of Bruno is also about the vacuousness of Bruno is also about the vacuousness of the fashion world, you know, and the the fashion world, you know, and the the fashion world, you know, and the absurdity of it, getting people to absurdity of it, getting people to absurdity of it, getting people to contradict themselves. Oh, this is in contradict themselves. Oh, this is in contradict themselves. Oh, this is in this out. this out. this out. >> So Bruno, I play this gay Austrian >> So Bruno, I play this gay Austrian >> So Bruno, I play this gay Austrian flamboyant fashion reporter. And we flamboyant fashion reporter. And we flamboyant fashion reporter. And we wanted to show wanted to show wanted to show that homophobia could turn violent very that homophobia could turn violent very that homophobia could turn violent very easily. And at that point, we made it in easily. And at that point, we made it in easily. And at that point, we made it in 2009. 2009. 2009. It was almost the last acceptable form It was almost the last acceptable form It was almost the last acceptable form of prejudice. These movies tend to be in of prejudice. These movies tend to be in of prejudice. These movies tend to be in genres. So, I wanted to make it a genres. So, I wanted to make it a genres. So, I wanted to make it a romcom. What normally happens at a romcom. What normally happens at a romcom. What normally happens at a romcom, the guy and the girl, he romcom, the guy and the girl, he romcom, the guy and the girl, he proposes to her in the big match. They proposes to her in the big match. They proposes to her in the big match. They kiss and everyone cheers. Instead of kiss and everyone cheers. Instead of kiss and everyone cheers. Instead of that, we did it in a cage match.

that, we did it in a cage match. that, we did it in a cage match. It is me and my love interest and we It is me and my love interest and we It is me and my love interest and we kiss. And we wanted to see what would kiss. And we wanted to see what would kiss. And we wanted to see what would happen with the crowd. Would they become happen with the crowd. Would they become happen with the crowd. Would they become violent? Really? violent? Really? violent? Really? >> No. It seemed like they wanted to kill >> No. It seemed like they wanted to kill >> No. It seemed like they wanted to kill you. you. you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> What's the sort of ratio of fear to >> What's the sort of ratio of fear to >> What's the sort of ratio of fear to thrill for you while that's happening? thrill for you while that's happening? thrill for you while that's happening? How much are you worried about dying and How much are you worried about dying and How much are you worried about dying and how much are you thinking, "Oh my god, how much are you thinking, "Oh my god, how much are you thinking, "Oh my god, this is going to be the best scene." this is going to be the best scene." this is going to be the best scene." >> I'm thinking about the scene almost >> I'm thinking about the scene almost >> I'm thinking about the scene almost entirely in that moment. I mean, I can entirely in that moment. I mean, I can entirely in that moment. I mean, I can remember it vividly now. Yeah. I remember it vividly now. Yeah. I remember it vividly now. Yeah. I remember Well, I remember lying down and remember Well, I remember lying down and remember Well, I remember lying down and I'm kissing him and I'm looking at the I'm kissing him and I'm looking at the I'm kissing him and I'm looking at the chairs and I'm thinking, "This is chairs and I'm thinking, "This is chairs and I'm thinking, "This is great." Let's talk about the new movie great." Let's talk about the new movie great." Let's talk about the new movie for a minute. So after however many for a minute. So after however many for a minute. So after however many years of inhabiting Ali G, you step away years of inhabiting Ali G, you step away years of inhabiting Ali G, you step away from him for a long time and now after from him for a long time and now after from him for a long time and now after 20 years of chilling, toking and boning, 20 years of chilling, toking and boning, 20 years of chilling, toking and boning, Ali G is back. Yeah. Ali G is back. Yeah. Ali G is back. Yeah. >> In a movie you directed called Who is I? >> In a movie you directed called Who is I? >> In a movie you directed called Who is I? What has aging a couple of decades done What has aging a couple of decades done What has aging a couple of decades done to this guy? to this guy? to this guy? >> Absolutely nothing. >> Absolutely nothing. >> Absolutely nothing. >> So he is he's the control experiment. So >> So he is he's the control experiment. So >> So he is he's the control experiment. So we brought him back to see how society we brought him back to see how society we brought him back to see how society had changed really. So he is had changed really. So he is had changed really. So he is unchanged. These immigrants are not unchanged. These immigrants are not unchanged. These immigrants are not coming here to mow your lawn, trim your coming here to mow your lawn, trim your coming here to mow your lawn, trim your trees, rake your leaves, clean your trees, rake your leaves, clean your trees, rake your leaves, clean your house.

house. house. >> Did you go into this movie with any kind >> Did you go into this movie with any kind >> Did you go into this movie with any kind of question you wanted to answer? of question you wanted to answer? of question you wanted to answer? >> Yes. I mean, number one, I wanted people >> Yes. I mean, number one, I wanted people >> Yes. I mean, number one, I wanted people to laugh really, really hard. And I to laugh really, really hard. And I to laugh really, really hard. And I wanted to also just examine this idea of wanted to also just examine this idea of wanted to also just examine this idea of conspiracies and lies. Whether we in a conspiracies and lies. Whether we in a conspiracies and lies. Whether we in a matter of hours could turn intelligent matter of hours could turn intelligent matter of hours could turn intelligent people who believed in the theory of people who believed in the theory of people who believed in the theory of race replacement into murderers. race replacement into murderers. race replacement into murderers. Doesn't sound that funny. There's loads Doesn't sound that funny. There's loads Doesn't sound that funny. There's loads of laughs in the movie as well. of laughs in the movie as well. of laughs in the movie as well. >> Big up myself. >> Sorry. >> Sorry. >> You know, back in the day when I did the >> You know, back in the day when I did the >> You know, back in the day when I did the allergy show, allergy show, allergy show, you know, we had song called Throw the you know, we had song called Throw the you know, we had song called Throw the Jewel Down the Well, and I had to do it Jewel Down the Well, and I had to do it Jewel Down the Well, and I had to do it twice to get an audience to sing along. twice to get an audience to sing along. twice to get an audience to sing along. And at that point, it was a great And at that point, it was a great And at that point, it was a great revelation. And people were shocked. And revelation. And people were shocked. And revelation. And people were shocked. And isn't this outrageous that these people isn't this outrageous that these people isn't this outrageous that these people were indifferent to anti-semitism? were indifferent to anti-semitism? were indifferent to anti-semitism? >> And you're saying you had to do it twice >> And you're saying you had to do it twice >> And you're saying you had to do it twice because the first group you in front of because the first group you in front of because the first group you in front of wasn't indifferent. wasn't indifferent. wasn't indifferent. >> No, they weren't. They chased me down.

>> No, they weren't. They chased me down. >> No, they weren't. They chased me down. It was in Nashville, Tennessee, and they It was in Nashville, Tennessee, and they It was in Nashville, Tennessee, and they chased me down the street. chased me down the street. chased me down the street. >> And and just for anyone who hasn't seen >> And and just for anyone who hasn't seen >> And and just for anyone who hasn't seen it, for like the two people who haven't it, for like the two people who haven't it, for like the two people who haven't seen it, describe what happens the seen it, describe what happens the seen it, describe what happens the second time. The second time I sing, you second time. The second time I sing, you second time. The second time I sing, you know, throw the Jew down the well. I'm know, throw the Jew down the well. I'm know, throw the Jew down the well. I'm for this country in western style from for this country in western style from for this country in western style from Kazakhstan and people are singing throw Kazakhstan and people are singing throw Kazakhstan and people are singing throw the Jew down the well. I got so my the Jew down the well. I got so my the Jew down the well. I got so my country can't be free. So my country country can't be free. So my country country can't be free. So my country can't be free. You must grab him by his can't be free. You must grab him by his can't be free. You must grab him by his horns. You must grab him by his horns. horns. You must grab him by his horns. horns. You must grab him by his horns. Then we have a big party. And it's that Then we have a big party. And it's that Then we have a big party. And it's that kind of thing. So it was seen as kind of thing. So it was seen as kind of thing. So it was seen as shocking at the time. The head of the shocking at the time. The head of the shocking at the time. The head of the ADL came out against me um as in ADL came out against me um as in ADL came out against me um as in inciting anti-semitism. inciting anti-semitism. inciting anti-semitism. I felt it was revealing a kind of I felt it was revealing a kind of I felt it was revealing a kind of underbelly of acceptance of underbelly of acceptance of underbelly of acceptance of antise-mitism rather than people being antise-mitism rather than people being antise-mitism rather than people being anti-semitic anti-semitic anti-semitic >> or indifference. >> or indifference. >> or indifference. >> Yeah. So I I quoted this historian of >> Yeah. So I I quoted this historian of >> Yeah. So I I quoted this historian of the Holocaust called Kershaw who said the Holocaust called Kershaw who said the Holocaust called Kershaw who said that the path to Ashvitz was paved with that the path to Ashvitz was paved with that the path to Ashvitz was paved with indifference. Then a couple of years indifference. Then a couple of years indifference. Then a couple of years later well then many years later I'm later well then many years later I'm later well then many years later I'm doing this character Dr. Naira Kane and doing this character Dr. Naira Kane and doing this character Dr. Naira Kane and Duchello. I'm in Kingman Arizona and I Duchello. I'm in Kingman Arizona and I Duchello. I'm in Kingman Arizona and I pitched this idea of a mega mosque. The pitched this idea of a mega mosque. The pitched this idea of a mega mosque. The idea was to show latent Islamophobia.

idea was to show latent Islamophobia. idea was to show latent Islamophobia. And I say at one point, I go, you know, And I say at one point, I go, you know, And I say at one point, I go, you know, you're coming off as a little bit you're coming off as a little bit you're coming off as a little bit racist. And a guy in the audience says, racist. And a guy in the audience says, racist. And a guy in the audience says, I am racist. I am racist against I am racist. I am racist against I am racist. I am racist against Muslims. And it was shocking. We put it Muslims. And it was shocking. We put it Muslims. And it was shocking. We put it out, but at that point to have somebody out, but at that point to have somebody out, but at that point to have somebody on camera admit that they were racist on camera admit that they were racist on camera admit that they were racist was shocking. was shocking. was shocking. Now it's common place. And these Now it's common place. And these Now it's common place. And these horrible beliefs are out in the open. horrible beliefs are out in the open. horrible beliefs are out in the open. They're on social media. people are They're on social media. people are They're on social media. people are saying them out loud and proudly. saying them out loud and proudly. saying them out loud and proudly. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so what's the effect of that? What's >> And so what's the effect of that? What's >> And so what's the effect of that? What's the effect of this society where the effect of this society where the effect of this society where political violence is seen as legitimate political violence is seen as legitimate political violence is seen as legitimate by the hard right and by the hard left by the hard right and by the hard left by the hard right and by the hard left as well, which is a new thing. as well, which is a new thing. as well, which is a new thing. >> And my thing is saying, are we heading >> And my thing is saying, are we heading >> And my thing is saying, are we heading somewhere where somewhere where somewhere where intelligent people who are fed intelligent people who are fed intelligent people who are fed conspiracy theories could carry out conspiracy theories could carry out conspiracy theories could carry out heenous acts? Do you feel like you're heenous acts? Do you feel like you're heenous acts? Do you feel like you're holding up a mirror to society, plain holding up a mirror to society, plain holding up a mirror to society, plain and simple, or is it like a like a weird and simple, or is it like a like a weird and simple, or is it like a like a weird warped funhouse mirror that gives us a warped funhouse mirror that gives us a warped funhouse mirror that gives us a distorted perspective of how scary distorted perspective of how scary distorted perspective of how scary things actually are?

things actually are? things actually are? >> Again, the primary objective of all of >> Again, the primary objective of all of >> Again, the primary objective of all of this is to get people to laugh really this is to get people to laugh really this is to get people to laugh really hard. Um, and smuggled in there is a bit hard. Um, and smuggled in there is a bit hard. Um, and smuggled in there is a bit of satire. It's a bit of hopefully of satire. It's a bit of hopefully of satire. It's a bit of hopefully people come out of the movie theater and people come out of the movie theater and people come out of the movie theater and think think think >> last year me Julie went to Lithuania. >> last year me Julie went to Lithuania. >> last year me Julie went to Lithuania. It's an incredibly unique career you It's an incredibly unique career you It's an incredibly unique career you have. Not only that you've invented a have. Not only that you've invented a have. Not only that you've invented a genre and that you keep doing it, but genre and that you keep doing it, but genre and that you keep doing it, but that you're also able to do serious that you're also able to do serious that you're also able to do serious roles and you have a sideline as a roles and you have a sideline as a roles and you have a sideline as a screenwriter. Like there's I can't think screenwriter. Like there's I can't think screenwriter. Like there's I can't think of another person who has a career like of another person who has a career like of another person who has a career like that. that. that. >> I go back and it's interesting. I'm this >> I go back and it's interesting. I'm this >> I go back and it's interesting. I'm this kid who probably should have been a kid who probably should have been a kid who probably should have been a fairly successful, fairly successful, fairly successful, you know, lawyer. And it's just a you know, lawyer. And it's just a you know, lawyer. And it's just a bizarre bizarre bizarre journey that I ended up doing this, you journey that I ended up doing this, you journey that I ended up doing this, you know, my dream was, could I make one know, my dream was, could I make one know, my dream was, could I make one classic comedy and I felt like with classic comedy and I felt like with classic comedy and I felt like with Borak, I was like, I did it, you know. Borak, I was like, I did it, you know. Borak, I was like, I did it, you know. So, anything else is is really gravy and So, anything else is is really gravy and So, anything else is is really gravy and yeah, I feel very very lucky.

yeah, I feel very very lucky. yeah, I feel very very lucky. King in the castle. King in the castle.