MPAA Slaps NC-17 Rating On Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘Bruno’

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Sacha Baron Cohen has never had a problem pushing the comedic envelope.

But as far as the Motion Picture Association of America is concerned, the comedian’s “Borat” follow-up, “Bruno,” goes beyond the bounds of an R-rated movie and has been labeled with an NC-17 rating, according to TheWrap.com.

The MPAA reportedly took exception to several scenes in the movie, including one where the Bruno character appears to engage in a sexual act with another man on camera; and another scene which shows a naked Bruno sneaking into an unsuspecting hunter’s tent.

However, a spokesperson for the film’s studio, Universal, said the rating is not a final decision, which could doom the movie’s success at the box office.

“On its first submission 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,” a rep for Universal told TheWrap.com.

“Borat,” which cost $18 million to make, earned an R rating from the MPAA prior to its release in 2006 and promptly took in $261 million at the box office worldwide.

Universal paid $42 million for the English-language rights to “Bruno,” with more money set to be spent on marketing the film.

A studio executive reportedly told TheWrap.com that Universal will not release “Bruno” with an NC-17 rating. However, it appears Baron Cohen has enough footage to cut a toned down version for release, with the NC-17 footage possibly saved for a DVD version.

Twenty minutes from “Bruno” were recently screened at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

One scene, which reportedly serves as the basis of the film’s plot, showed Baron Cohen’s character buying an African-American baby in order to become famous. The child then arrives in a cardboard box on an airport luggage carousel.

“Bruno” is currently slated for a July 10 opening.

http://www.accesshollywood.com/mpaa-slaps-nc-17-rating-on-sacha-baron-cohens-bruno_article_16150