Comedy is caricature: exploding the bad bits until they fill the stage. And the simplest caricature makes the most cutting satire.
Borat roadtripped the US with racism, sexism and an obscene moustache. Brüno showed off the best bleaching in fashion celebrity. Throwing the Jew down the well or chatting up a terrorist, it is a shocking, savage level of comedy. But with Sacha Baron Cohen the caricature is in fact the person being interviewed.
When comedy tells the truth it can be painful, and using an idiot alter-ego softens the blow. In the same way, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (guys behind South Park and Team America) push satire to the places stand-up is too scared to visit. Because you can hit a cartoon character as hard as you like.
They all piss on taboos. But, just as important, they pack in as much vulgarity as an 18 certificate can take: cage fight orgies and naked hotel room wrestling; puppet sex and a swear word every six seconds. It is so clever and so foul you can’t stand to watch.
Because when the sharpest comedy goes to bed with the crudest it hurts – and it should do.
