GLAAD Finds Bruno Frustrating

July 14, 2009 8:22 a.m. EST

New York, NY (CNS) - "Bruno" isn't getting love from his peers. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) says the Sacha Baron Cohen mockumentary is full of stereotypes that doesn't help the causes of gay people.

The film, which was released Friday in theaters, chronicles the exploits of the title character (Baron Cohen), a gay Austrian fashion presenter who wants to make it big in the U.S., as he interacts with unsuspecting people.

For GLAAD incoming president Jarrett Barrios, the movie doesn't in any way help their cause and fight for equality. He cites an example in the film, wherein Bruno was in front of a talk show audience, showing photos of sexual activity occurring in the presence of an infant child. The scene was shot in Arkansas, where people voted and effectively eliminated the ability of gay people to adopt or foster kids in that state.

He said in a statement, "It's unfortunate that 'Bruno' ultimately misses the mark, particularly when there are still far too few positive images of gay people in major studio films. Some members of our community will not be offended by this film."

"Others, like those of us at GLAAD, find it frustrating and discouraging to be confronted with a movie that wants to increase America's discomfort with homophobia, but which for much of America, seems likely to decrease its comfort with gay people."

"Bruno" opened Friday and amassed $30.4 million at the three-day weekend.