Borat at Borders, November 8, 2007
Borat fans turned out en masse at the Westwood Borders for his sole public appearance promoting his new book, BORAT: Touristic Guidings to Minor Nation of U.S. and A. and Touristic Guidings to Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. For a couple of hours, he signed books, traded high fives and posed for pictures. An eyeball survey of the demographics of the packed room–kids, Europeans, goths, business types, hipsters, nerds, geeks in Borat and Ali G costumes, various media outlets, etc.–demonstrated the impressive reach of the Borat phenomenon. The man is a rock star. Every “high five!” or “Yagshemash!” or “Jenqui!” was met with woos from the crowd.
A surprising number of tweens and even younger were sprinkled about crowd, so many that Borat touched on it in his brief opening remarks. After recounting the untoward events of the previous night of revelry in West Hollywood which “left his anoos loose like the mouth of tired dog”, he tossed out “I am sure you are glad you bring your childrens now”–a little jab at parents, perhaps, but also rare brief flicker of self awareness and a peak at the brain behind Borat. He also used the time to take a deserved shot at Walmart for refusing to stock the book. All in all, good stuff for kids to hear.
In the flesh, Borat radiates a peformer’s energy that one imagines must be similar to that of Chaplin in his day. He has a postively electric hum about him. Once the Borat switch is thrown, he is ON. As good as he is as Borat, at the same time, one sees the finish line for Borat. How far can he take it? Sasha Baron Cohen is probably dying to stretch his artistic wings. In person, one can pick up a trace of tension in his face beneath the signature Borat grin. If no more new product came from the Borat factory, the book would make a nice bookend to the character.
–V.
Hey, great article! I was the one who stood next to you guys at the end of the line, you gave me and my sister your business card. Email me!
hey, is that “fuck white people” smiling in the 4th picture down?
[...] the name of the hospital in which she’s recovering, but the exact floor her room is on. · Borat’s book-signing featured filthy children, vanilla faces, and, of course, the requisite dude in a neon nut-sling. · [...]
Jagshemash!
My name a Jonny the Monkey, host to popular Kazakh children telviski show and also star of moviefilm “Transsibirskiy Ekspress” plus many other pornos.
Since was not able personal attend this book signings in village of Los Angles, am very greatful for you posting picture photos and great praise for Borat. Niice.
Me was also wondering if have any photograph from parking lot that night, when Borat get chance to use fires hose on the gypsy protesters?
I have made rooms in my scrape book for such a picture.
Chenquieh.
NOTE: This comment was ‘hand signed’ by Jonny the Monkey to his gypsy assistant Batyr, who then translated and posted those words here.
Did he sign in disappearing ink or was I just given the wrong books? There is no signature on my books.
Telly,
It’s not on the inside cover. It’s maybe 2 or 3 pages in. …and it simply says BORAT in retard writing. oops… that wasn’t very politically correct.
[...] the name of the hospital in which she’s recovering, but the exact floor her room is on. · Borat’s book-signing featured filthy children, vanilla faces, and, of course, the requisite dude in a neon nut-sling. · [...]
what is the story with the kid in the 2nd and 3rd picture?
[...] Borat at Borders, November 8, 2007 [...]
you pasol nahui pederastai kurva nahui.
I see you!!you go tu the jail!
Did he sign in disappearing ink or was I just given the wrong books? There is no signature on my books.
NOTE: This comment was ‘hand signed’ by Jonny the Monkey to his gypsy assistant Batyr, who then translated and posted those words here.
Telly : 11/9/07 at 12:28 pm
Did he sign in disappearing ink or was I just given the wrong books? There is no signature on my books.
Jeannette : 11/10/07 at 2:48 pm
Telly,11/11/07 at 9:55 pm
I hope Brüno will sign books at Borders.