Surprise? 'Bruno' gets NC-17 on first MPAA pass (TW)

By Nancy Tartaglione

On its first submission to the ratings board, Sacha Baron Cohen's "Bruno" has been slapped with an NC-17, reports The Wrap. A Universal spokesman confirmed the rating, saying: "The film did not receive an R but it is far too early to say that there is any struggle to get there as the process is only at its inception."

Among the objectionable scenes is one in which Bruno appears to have anal sex with a man on camera. In another, the actor goes on a hunting trip and sneaks naked into the tent of one of the fellow hunters, an unsuspecting non-actor, explains TW.

"Bruno" is said to go even further than Baron Cohen's controversial docu-comedy "Borat" did a couple of years ago. That film too was given an NC-17 on its first outing and ultimately ended up with an R.

Individuals close to the film told TW that Baron Cohen is "experimenting" and still "finding the film."

The writer/star will appeal the decision while simultaneously cutting the film to suit the ratings board. Still, even "Borat" ended up with some outrageous scenes including particularly acrobatic play between the titular character and that of his sidekick played by Ken Davitian.

"Bruno" is even more outrageous than that, reports TW.

"He offends everybody," said one executive. "But you laugh from the minute it starts. A guy like Sacha shoots what he wants, and then he negotiates."