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07. 07. 09. - 12:00

Future British Ambassador blasts ´Brüno´

By Thomas Hochwarter

Austria’s next UK Ambassador has launched a stinging attack on Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film "Brüno".

Emil Brix, who will take up his post next year, said yesterday (Mon) it was "totally inappropriate" for the film’s main character to keep linking Austria with the Nazi era.

Brix, currently head of the Culture Department of the Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ambassador in the United Kingdom from spring of next year, said: "Everybody should speak up against that – but not the real Austria. Everybody should have to know how to react."

He said Cohen, creator of the character of "Brüno", "probably does so to create as much interest as possible for his film. It is quite cheap if he fails to do so in another way."

Brix, who headed the Austrian Culture Institute in London between 1995 and 1999, recommended movies by (Oscar winner) Stefan Ruzowitzky or (Cannes Palme D’Or winner) Michael Haneke to anyone who was really interested in Austrian culture. One of Haneke’s most successful films is "Funny Games", where two psychotics lock a family in a cabin and make them “sadistically” attack each other.

"Films by directors like these really deal with Austria," Brix added.

Asked by Austrian broadcaster ORF whether his movie damages the reputation of Austria, Cohen said: "My film does the opposite. I show there is an alternative to the Austrian dream – which is to have a job, find a dungeon and raise a family there."

In the interview, Cohen embarrassed ORF reporter Peter Fritz when he asked the journalist to look him in the eyes "and not at my Kugelsack."

Cohen, the man behind "Ali G." and "Borat", also attacked another Austrian icon when he said: "Not all Austrians fail to match expectations as Arnold Schwarzenegger did."

"Brüno" has sparked a bizarre public debate in Austria about who was the role model for the character of a gay fashion designer from Austria who dreams of becoming "the most famous Austrian since Adolf Hitler."

Media initially suggested it was gay ORF presenter Alfons Haider before there were claims it was based on Dominic Heinzl who presents celeb gossip and fashion magazine "Hi Society" on private TV channel ATV or Adi Weiss, fashion editor at newspaper "Österreich."

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In the current poll, the Austrian Times wants to hear what readers think of fears "Brüno" could tarnish Austria’s reputation. Contribute in the poll and use the Austrian Times Contact Form to give your opinion!

Austrian Times

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