Universal Cuts Michael Jackson Scene from 'Bruno'
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary, Gay & Lesbian, Universal, Celebrities and Controversy, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Movie Marketing, Summer Movies
The decidedly un-PC Bruno has gone sensitive. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal has decided to err on the side of caution, and cut a Michael Jackson related skit from Sacha Baron Cohen's raunchy comedy. The edit was made just hours before its Los Angeles premiere. "We decided to take it out for tonight, and we'll reassess before the release whether to keep it out," said director Larry Charles at the premiere's afterparty.
The scene involves Cohen's gay Austrian interviewing an unsuspecting LaToya Jackson about a number of topics, but focusing on her brother, Michael. As I haven't seen the film, I don't know what the jokes are, but THR says that they center on Jackson's high-pitched voice, and his one-time white glove trademark. It's already screened for critics, none of whom found the scene particularly offensive, but Universal was concerned it would upset his grieving family and fans. However, Universal might restore it for the film's wide release, as a studio spokesperson also confirmed that they were still undecided about whether it should stay or go. The film opens in two weeks, and cutting the scene out of every print would be expensive, and possibly delay the film a'la Spider-Man 2.
What do you think, readers? Is Universal making the right call to err on the side of caution or good taste? Or should they leave Bruno alone, and trust audiences will be less sensitive about Jackson in the coming weeks?
More Bruno: Check out this hilarious report from the Bruno premiere on Moviefone Minute.
The scene involves Cohen's gay Austrian interviewing an unsuspecting LaToya Jackson about a number of topics, but focusing on her brother, Michael. As I haven't seen the film, I don't know what the jokes are, but THR says that they center on Jackson's high-pitched voice, and his one-time white glove trademark. It's already screened for critics, none of whom found the scene particularly offensive, but Universal was concerned it would upset his grieving family and fans. However, Universal might restore it for the film's wide release, as a studio spokesperson also confirmed that they were still undecided about whether it should stay or go. The film opens in two weeks, and cutting the scene out of every print would be expensive, and possibly delay the film a'la Spider-Man 2.
What do you think, readers? Is Universal making the right call to err on the side of caution or good taste? Or should they leave Bruno alone, and trust audiences will be less sensitive about Jackson in the coming weeks?
More Bruno: Check out this hilarious report from the Bruno premiere on Moviefone Minute.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-26-2009 @ 3:32PM
Jon said...
I think it might detract from the scene because of Jackson’s recent death and so I would probably take it out for the wide release.
Reply
6-26-2009 @ 3:57PM
TvLover said...
Makes sense, and it's surprising coming from a picture studio...first smart move they have made in a while. Save it for the DVD release.
Reply
6-26-2009 @ 4:05PM
BDUB said...
Hey what do you mean when you mentioned Spider-Man 2? I didn't catch the reference, I'm curious. Thanks...
(The only thing I can think of is the WTC in the first one)
Reply
6-26-2009 @ 4:11PM
Riley Freeman said...
i say ask the family. if the family wants it out. cut it out. if the family wants it in leave it in
then regardless put it in the dvd cut
Reply
6-26-2009 @ 4:45PM
Maria Stahl said...
They are trying to make Bruno unoffensive? Good luck.
Reply
6-26-2009 @ 5:23PM
Sy said...
It's not like many will see Bruno anyway. It's better to side of the safe side and cut the Michael Jackson scene out.
Reply
6-26-2009 @ 7:38PM
b0ring said...
Things like this always annoy me. They didn't care about him or his family when they made it, but now out of respect they decide to cut it out? They either had respect for him, or they didn't. It's hypocritical to flip now.
Reply
6-27-2009 @ 12:17AM
viewdrix said...
Even if your best friend dies, you don't make fun of his most embarrassing moments at his funeral just because you did when he was alive. It's a thing of bad timing. I can't say how long it'll be until it's fine to make Michael Jackson jokes, but releasing this in a blockbuster film nationwide just two weeks after his death is disrespectful. You don't kick a family when it's down.
6-28-2009 @ 8:20PM
Ambassador P said...
I agree with some of the comments mentioned, This was the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen, whether dead or alive a person has feelings and we should celebrate a person when they are alive and not wait unitl they are dead, and making jokes about him or anyone else is just in poor taste. A true performer should be able to make his or her audience laugh without putting someone down or making remarks about his or her life. The scene should be cut and not released period
Reply
6-29-2009 @ 7:44PM
G said...
As much as I love Michael Jackson, people should not get up in arms about making MJ jokes, especially since it doesn't seem to make any mention of his more salacious life elements. In fact, it seems like it's more a prank on Latoya than a bit about Michael. It was done before his death, so there's no post-mortem malicious intent.
But, if they cut it and find that they have a tighter film, then leave it out. If the bit is funny, and makes the film better, then don't be afraid to keep it. I want them to be as fearless as their previous works have established.
Reply
7-07-2009 @ 6:41PM
dz said...
Wasn't in the preview version I watched last week, would imagine they'll save it for dvd.
Reply
7-20-2009 @ 11:00AM
shamrockdoc said...
I am a long time fan of Michael Jackson's. Reading the article,it does seem to be a prank on Latoya. Provided Mr. Cohen-who I have NEVER found to be funny-does not make offensive references, I think the only thing Universal should do, is super impose "filmed prior to 6/25/09", while the skit is in play. If the jokes are offensive, they have done the right thing by pulling the scene. If word got out to European MJ fans (his most adoring of fans), that MJ was dissed in the movie while they are still mourning him, it might have a negative affect on attendance. My opinion of Christian Bale kept me from seeing the newest Terminator movie because of Mr. Bale's Primadonna attitude; I hated the way he viciously punked that crew member, suggesting that he himself was all powerful. He seemed to have "roid rage" or something. I chose NOT to support the film if it supported him and validated his rude behavior. I wonder how many more people did the same and how that translated into dollars lost? Maybe Universal is on to something here.
Reply