Where was Borat filmed?
2006
City Locations
Glod (Romania); Salem, Virginia (USA); New York, NY (USA); Orange, CA (USA)
Location Types
House, Museum, Hotels/Motels
Location Styles
Hotel/Motel Style, Colonial, Modern Building, Dilapidated/Neglected, Van/Bus/RV Style
About Borat
We all can imagine the creative challenge a brilliant mind like Sacha Baron Cohen must have faced in expanding his Da Ali G Show persona, Borat, into a full-length film. But he triumphed with Borat, a 2006 cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together elements of mockumentary and black comedy, creating an unforgettable imprint on the audience. This film has undeniably etched its influence on contemporary culture. Directed by Larry Charles and starring the incredibly talented comedic actor, the film cleverly explores cultural misunderstanding and stereotypes through humor and satire.
Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen), a fictional journalist from Kazakhstan, serves as the lead character, traveling to the United States in the pursuit of filming a documentary. Borat interacts with real-life Americans as the storyline unfolds, creating a dynamic interplay of cultural differences and misunderstandings. Amid his unexpected adventures, Borat develops an infatuation with Pamela Anderson (as herself), adding a humorous twist to the plot.
Critics universally acclaimed Borat for its unique concept and creative execution. Sacha Baron Cohen's convincing portrayal of Borat earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards, adding to its list of accolades. The Academy and the Writers Guild of America also recognized the film's outstanding screenplay with nominations in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
Borat accomplished astonishing commercial success, topping the box office for two consecutive weeks and grossing over $260 million worldwide. It was also awarded the Excellence in Filmmaking at the 2006 Traverse City Film Festival. With a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, the film was highly praised for its satirical content and "offensive in the funniest possible way" approach.
Borat Locations
Borat, a cultural exploration of the United States through the lens of a foreigner, utilized a diverse range of locations for its production. The landscapes and locales used in the film serve as a backdrop and play a significant role in shaping the narrative and the humor that Borat brings to life.
The scenes depicting Borat's home village were actually shot in the Romanian village of Glod, a predominantly Roma community. The authenticity of this setting adds a certain charm to Borat's character and background.
Borat then takes him to the bustling city of New York, where memorable scenes were shot at the Wellington Hotel and the Trump International Hotel and Tower. His exclamations of "I feel like da king of the castle!" when he arrives at his hotel room and his surprise visit to the Trump Tower are now etched in the minds of the film's fans.
Salem, Virginia, also holds a significant place in the film. This is where Borat makes an appearance at a rodeo in the Salem Civic Center, resulting in a memorable sequence where he sings the Kazakhstan National Anthem to the tune of the American National Anthem.
The final destination on Borat's journey across the USA is California. After reuniting with Azamat in front of the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Borat ends up at the Virgin Megastores in Orange County, where he meets his love and "future bride”, the star Pamela Anderson.
Each of these locations, with their unique landmarks and distinct vibes, contributes to the movie's narrative and humor. For fans of Borat, a trip to these places can be a worthwhile experience, offering a chance to relive the film's unforgettable moments and appreciate the diverse landscapes of the United States.
Borat's home scene in Borat
DN71 119, Glod 137312, Romania
In the opening scene, we are introduced to Borat's humble home in the fictional Kazakh village of Kузцек (Kuztsek). Here, we meet his wife, Oxana, his sons Huey and Lewis, and his pesky neighbor Yusuf. The dynamic between Borat and Yusuf forms a comedic subplot revolving around a game of one-upmanship. Every time Borat acquires something new, Yusuf attempts to emulate him. However, Yusuf's financial constraints mean that his possessions are always inferior.
These scenes were shot in the Romanian village of Glod, which was transformed into Borat's hometown for the movie. Interestingly, the residents of Glod were not pleased with their depiction in the film. They were initially told that the movie would be a documentary about the struggles of rural life, so the comedic portrayal of their village came as a shock. Despite this, 20th Century Fox insists that the comedic intent of the film was clear, pointing to absurd scenes like a cow living inside a house as evidence.
The production team and star Sacha Baron Cohen donated to the community, including $5,000 each to the town, a location fee, and supplies for the local school and businesses. However, given the mixed feelings of the locals, it might not be the best idea for Cohen to revisit Glod.
If you're keen on visiting the filming location, Glod is in the Dâmbovița County in southern Romania. You can reach it by flying into Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, and from there, it's about a two-hour drive north-west to Glod. Please be respectful of the locals who may still harbor mixed feelings about the film's impact on their community.
"Da king of the castle" scene in Borat
Wellington Hotel, 871 Seventh Avenue at W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Borat checks into the Wellington Hotel in New York. His culture clash is evident as he tries to negotiate the room rate, unaware of the standardized pricing in such establishments. His naivety is further highlighted when he mistakes an elevator for his hotel room, a comic moment that underlines his unfamiliarity with city life.
Borat fans will remember his exclamation "I feel like da king of the castle!" when he finally gets to his room. It's a testament to his delight at staying in such luxury, which he's never experienced.
This scene was filmed at the Wellington Hotel on 7th Avenue in New York, a historic establishment that has been hosting guests from around the globe for over a century. Its prime location near Broadway, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, MoMA, and Rockefeller Center makes it a desirable lodging choice for tourists. Today, the Wellington Hotel remains operational, allowing fans of Borat to recreate their favorite movie moments by booking a stay there.
To reach the Wellington Hotel, you can fly into any of New York's major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. From there, it's a straightforward trip via taxi or public transportation into the heart of Manhattan, where the hotel is located.
Borat and Azamat attend the rodeo scene in Borat
Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153, USA
During their time in South Carolina, Borat and Azamat (Ken Davitian) decide to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional American rodeo held at the Salem Civic Center. Borat is asked to sing the US national anthem to add to the hilarity. However, things take a turn when he tries to merge it with the Kazakh national anthem, resulting in a cringe-worthy rendition that leaves the crowd bewildered.
The scene was filmed at the Salem Civic Center, situated at 1001 Roanoke Boulevard. This center, founded in 1967, forms part of the James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex, encompassing the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium and Salem Stadium. The complex is a hub for a diverse range of events, such as concerts, trade shows, conventions, and circuses. It also hosts the annual Roanoke Valley Horse Show and Salem Fair.
For fans looking to visit this memorable filming location, the Salem Civic Center continues to welcome visitors. You can reach Salem by flying into the nearby Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. From there, it's just a 15-minute drive by car via Hershberger Rd NW to the Salem Civic Center.
Reunion scene in Borat
TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA
Borat joins church members on a transit to Los Angeles, eventually bringing him to Hollywood. Here, he stumbles upon Azamat, who amusingly impersonates Oliver Hardy and has secured employment as an entertainer in the lively tourist regions.
This heartwarming reunion scene takes place at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The theatre is an iconic movie palace along the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The construction of the original Chinese Theatre was inspired by the popularity of the adjacent Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, inaugurated in 1922. The architectural design of both theatres was rooted in the Exotic Revival style.
Over the years, the TCL Chinese Theatre has hosted countless premieres, including the 1977 launch of George Lucas' Star Wars. It has also been the site of birthday parties, corporate events, and three Academy Awards ceremonies. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hollywood's rich cinematic history. For fans of Borat or cinema in general, visiting the TCL Chinese Theatre can be a truly immersive experience. Tours are available, allowing visitors to explore and fully appreciate the site's grandeur.
You can take a taxi or public transportation to get to the theatre if you're staying in Los Angeles. If you're traveling from outside the city, the nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Hollywood.
Borat meets Pamela Anderson scene in Borat
The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd W, Orange, CA 92868, USA
Azamat discovers that Pamela Anderson is doing a DVD signing at the Virgin Records store in Orange, California. Borat, who has developed an infatuation with her, is eager to propose marriage. He approaches her, not with a ring, but with a traditional Kazakhstani proposal method—a large, ornately decorated sack meant to be thrown over her as a symbol of kidnapping. Unsurprisingly, Anderson is terrified by this strange proposal and flees the scene.
The scene of Pamela's autograph session was filmed at the Outlets at Orange, an open-air outlet mall in Orange, California. The mall is a hub for shopping and entertainment, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists. Orange County is also home to a bustling downtown area where numerous movies like That Thing You Do, Big Mama’s House, Fallen Angel, and American Horror Story have been shot.
To visit these locations, you can fly into John Wayne Airport, Orange County's primary airport. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to reach the Outlets at Orange and the historic downtown area. Additionally, from Los Angeles, it's only a 30-mile drive via I-5 S.
Conclusion
Released in 2006, Borat has been widely hailed as one of the most hilarious movies in recent years. Its humor isn't derived from its simplicity (though it is delightfully straightforward) but from its intellectual depth and sharp satire.
Sacha Baron Cohen's performance as Borat is commendable, displaying the character's ignorance and innocence with precision. The script is well-crafted, targeting various societal issues with a discerning eye. The character's skewed perspective on race, sexuality, and culture, while seemingly outrageous, holds up a mirror to our own biases and prejudices.
The film takes us on a humorous journey through diverse locations, from the quaint town of Eatonton, Georgia, to the Romanian village of Glod and further into Texas, California, Virginia, and other states. Each setting contributes to the film's narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
While the film has significantly contributed to the movie industry with its unique blend of comedy and social commentary, it has also sparked discussions around its potential for reinforcing stereotypes. The Anti-Defamation League, although recognizing Cohen's Jewish background and the film's lack of malicious intent, expressed concerns that some viewers might miss the satirical angle and instead have their prejudices reinforced. Despite this, Borat is a testament to comedy's power to expose societal flaws.