More than a decade after its release, Borat’s catchphrases still occupy a special place in the hearts of the audience. All thanks to Sacha Baron Cohen, whose exceptional performance in the 2006 mockumentary black comedy movie left an indelible mark in Hollywood. However, what’s important to note is that, unlike other actors, Cohen’s filmography is sporadic. With roles ranging from comedy to musical dramas, the actor never shies away from flaunting his versatility.
Following this sporadic trajectory, the actor forayed into the prestigious role of Inspector Gustave in Martin Scorsese’s Hugo.
Sacha Baron Cohen opened up about his collaboration with Martin Scorsese
Transitioning from his comedic background, Sacha Baron Cohen entered uncharted territory with his character in Hugo. To top it all, the actor was collaborating with the legendary director Martin Scorsese. While talking about his experience with Scorsese, Cohen admitted to being surprised by the legendary director. While explaining how he came into the project thinking that Scorsese’s projects are a one-man show, he told Georgia Straight,
“I expected him to be an auteur and he is. But I think that part of his power and the reason why his films are so successful is that he is ready to collaborate fully with his actors.”
Cohen and Scorsese collaborated closely to develop the character of Inspector Gustave, Even though the script originally fixated on Gustave catching children and sending them to the orphanage, Cohen was determined to delve deep into the character’s motives.
Sacha Baron Cohen was surprised that Martin Scorsese considered his ‘wild ideas’
Cohen suggested that Gustave’s character must be a war veteran with a back story of being an orphan. Moreover, apart from his suggestions for the character, Cohen revealed that he had some other wild ideas for the movie. He said,
“I came up with some wild ideas, like taking a bath with a dog, and he was ready to try them out. I was going through some old Chaplin and I thought, ‘Maybe there is a scene or something with a train. Maybe Asa [Butterfield, who plays the title character] gets caught in the train.”
Appreciating Scorsese for collaborating with the actors closely, Cohen revealed that the Oscar-winning director was open to trying out his ideas, giving his views the due respect they deserved.
“Marty said, ‘Let’s try it.’ I said, ‘Are you sure? It’s going to involve hundreds of extras and a moving train.’ He was totally ready to try out any idea, however ludicrous the suggestion, which was worrying to the producers. The scene was like sketch comedy, except you have 500 extras and award-winning designers and producers and actors. But it was a lot of fun for me.”
Undoubtedly, Scorsese and his exceptional collaboration with his cast and crew clearly reflected in the final product. The 2011 movie Hugo, received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning 5 of them. Moreover, it was also nominated for 8 BAFTAs and 3 Golden Globe Awards.
Source: Looper
