# The Dictator

> 2012 film by Larry Charles

**Wikidata**: [Q464964](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q464964)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dictator)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-dictator

## Summary
The Dictator is a 2012 satirical comedy film directed by Larry Charles, starring Sacha Baron Cohen as Admiral General Aladeen, a fictional dictator of the Republic of Wadiya. The film employs Cohen's signature mockumentary style to critique authoritarianism and cultural stereotypes. Released in May 2012, it grossed over $65 million worldwide and features a star-studded cast, including Ben Kingsley and John C. Reilly.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: May 16, 2012 (United States), May 17, 2012 (United Kingdom)
- **Director**: Larry Charles
- **Starring**: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, John C. Reilly, Megan Fox
- **Genre**: Satirical comedy, mockumentary
- **Production Company**: Apatow Productions, Four By Two, Sony Pictures
- **Runtime**: 83 minutes
- **Budget**: $65 million
- **Box Office**: $65 million (worldwide)
- **Music**: Erran Baron Cohen
- **Cinematography**: Anthony Hardwick
- **Editing**: Greg Hersov
- **Country**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 49 language editions
- **IMDb ID**: tt1645170
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 56% (Tomatometer), 58/100 (Metacritic)
- **Awards**: Nominated for Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Comedian
- **Connected Entities**: Sacha Baron Cohen, Larry Charles, United States, Comedy film

## FAQs
**What is the central theme of The Dictator?**
The film satirizes authoritarian regimes, cultural ignorance, and global politics through the exaggerated character of Admiral General Aladeen, blending humor with social commentary.

**Who stars in The Dictator alongside Sacha Baron Cohen?**
The film features Ben Kingsley as Tamir Aladeen, John C. Reilly as a CIA operative, and Megan Fox in a cameo role, among other notable actors.

**How was The Dictator received critically and commercially?**
The film received mixed reviews, with a 56% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, but grossed $65 million worldwide against its $65 million budget, indicating moderate commercial success.

**What are the key production details of The Dictator?**
Directed by Larry Charles and produced by Apatow Productions, the film was released in May 2012 with a runtime of 83 minutes, featuring music by Erran Baron Cohen.

**How does The Dictator relate to Sacha Baron Cohen's other works?**
The film continues Cohen's tradition of satirical character-driven comedy seen in Borat and Brüno, using fictional personas to expose societal flaws, though it adopts a more scripted narrative approach.

## Why It Matters
The Dictator matters as a continuation of Sacha Baron Cohen's provocative satire, using humor to critique authoritarianism and cultural hypocrisy. While not as impactful as Borat, it contributes to discussions about political satire in film and the challenges of blending scripted comedy with social commentary. The film's release in 2012 reflected contemporary geopolitical tensions, offering a comedic lens to examine dictatorial regimes and international relations. Its moderate success underscores the evolving landscape of satirical cinema and the challenges of resonating with global audiences through politically charged humor.

## Notable For
- **Satirical Portrayal of Dictatorship**: Exaggerated depiction of authoritarian rule through Admiral General Aladeen.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, and John C. Reilly in prominent roles.
- **Mixed Critical Reception**: Highlighted the challenges of balancing satire with entertainment in mainstream cinema.
- **Global Release**: Distributed in multiple countries, reflecting its universal themes despite mixed reviews.
- **Continuation of Cohen's Style**: Extends Sacha Baron Cohen's signature mockumentary approach into a scripted narrative film.

## Body

### Production and Release
The Dictator was directed by Larry Charles and produced by Apatow Productions, Four By Two, and Sony Pictures. Released on May 16, 2012, in the United States and May 17, 2012, in the United Kingdom, the film features a runtime of 83 minutes. With a budget of $65 million, it grossed $65 million worldwide, indicating a break-even performance at the box office.

### Cast and Crew
Sacha Baron Cohen stars as Admiral General Aladeen, alongside Ben Kingsley as Tamir Aladeen, John C. Reilly as a CIA operative, and Megan Fox in a cameo appearance. The film's music was composed by Erran Baron Cohen, with cinematography by Anthony Hardwick and editing by Greg Hersov.

### Themes and Style
The film employs satirical comedy to critique authoritarian regimes, cultural stereotypes, and global politics. While continuing Sacha Baron Cohen's tradition of character-driven satire, The Dictator adopts a more scripted narrative compared to his earlier mockumentary works like Borat. This shift reflects an experimentation with blending direct satire with conventional storytelling.

### Critical and Commercial Response
The Dictator received mixed reviews from critics, earning a 56% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 58/100 Metacritic score. Despite this, the film achieved moderate commercial success, grossing $65 million worldwide against its budget. The film was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Comedian, recognizing its appeal to younger audiences.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Released in 2012, The Dictator engaged with contemporary geopolitical discourse, using satire to comment on dictatorial regimes and international relations. The film's portrayal of the fictional Republic of Wadiya and its ruler served as a comedic critique of real-world authoritarianism, though its impact was tempered by the challenges of translating nuanced satire into broad comedy.

### Connected Entities
- **Sacha Baron Cohen**: The film showcases his signature satirical style, extending his repertoire of fictional characters used for social commentary.
- **Larry Charles**: The director's collaboration with Cohen built on their previous work in Borat, though The Dictator marked a departure in narrative structure.
- **United States**: As the country of origin, the film reflects American comedic traditions and the global reach of Hollywood productions.
- **Comedy Film**: The Dictator contributes to the comedy genre, specifically satirical comedy, highlighting the genre's capacity for social critique.

### Legacy and Impact
While not as culturally resonant as Borat, The Dictator remains a notable entry in Sacha Baron Cohen's filmography, demonstrating the evolving nature of satirical cinema. The film's mixed reception underscores the difficulties of balancing sharp satire with mainstream appeal, yet it maintains relevance as a comedic critique of authoritarianism. Its release and reception reflect the broader challenges faced by politically charged comedies in achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success.

## References

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