The Dictator

The Dictator is a 2012 absurdist comedy film directed by Larry Charles and written by Sacha Baron Cohen and Alec Berg. The film stars Baron Cohen as General Aladeen, a ruthless and eccentric dictator of the fictional nation of Wadiya. The movie takes place in the fictional setting of a Middle Eastern country with a cast of characters that are loosely based on real-world figures, but not representing any specific real-life country or its leadership. The film opens with General Aladeen addressing the people of Wadiya from his aerial throne. He boasts about his military conquests and warns the people about the dangers of democracy. It is revealed that a new ambassador is appointed to the United States, Yusef (played by Ben Kingsley), who is sent to negotiate an alliance and a possible deal for the sale of a new strain of virility-enhancing wheat, a vital component of an exploding condom rumored to be favored by the United States government. While attending a dinner at the ambassador's residence, Yusef is captured by government agents. In his place, Nadia (played by Anna Faris) recommends a new ambassador named Fatima. She suggests that General Aladeen visit the United States, because his persona as a strong, charismatic leader could potentially be used to boost public morale and lift America's spirits. The deal involves a package of supplies that are said to help fix America's stagnant economy, but Aladeen believes the true intentions of the United States lie elsewhere and that they could be plotting against his rule. Consequently, he wants nothing to do with it and considers a series of violent and elaborate plans to sabotage the potential deal. However, when Aladeen learns that Yusef has been kidnapped, he decides to take his place in the United States as part of an undercover operation. In exchange for not raising further suspicion, Aladeen is asked to attend the congressional hearings and spread propaganda to recruit new American soldiers into Wadiya's army. Once Aladeen reaches the United States, he runs into Nadia, who helps him to infiltrate the ambassador's office. Using a variety of witty methods and brutal tactics, Aladeen disobeys his primary orders, realizing that he's being treated terribly and thus slowly turning against his previously fervent mission. On his first day in the United States, Aladeen meets Zoey (played by Mia Watkins), a young American volunteer with the Democratic Party who helps him manage his cultural shock, along with providing essential assistance for him in the unfamiliar landscape. Together, they discuss politics and their vastly different worldviews. Meanwhile, General Aladeen discovers that Yusef has been stealing the exploding condoms from Wadiya and plans to increase their production and make them available worldwide. However, Aladeen feels threatened by the production of the condom, because he realizes it could undermine the reason for his rule. As such, he orders his new American friend to help him sabotage the plans for production. General Aladeen also discovers the existence of the "Man of Peace Award" which he believes is being used by the government to trick him into giving up power. He believes if he were to give a public speech acknowledging the US, the price of the 'Steady Condum 9' would fall, leading to lower sales and in turn would negatively affect the balance of power in Wadiya. As the investigation unfolds, Aladeen also encounters various comedians, pundits and anti-war activists that offer their insight into the nation's ongoing conflicts and global politics. But General Aladeen remains oblivious to their satirical perspectives and clings firmly to his outdated views. Following this series of events, Aladeen confronts Yusef and unearths his actual intentions. Confronted with Yusef's crimes against Wadiya, General Aladeen decides to protect his nation and save it from democracy. He intends to thwart a visit from President Harris (played by Megan Fox), Yusef's alleged United States authority, and foil Yusef's future plans of treason. However, General Aladeen may have bitten off more than he can chew. He uses the 'Steady Condum 9' as a means of creating a diversion, causing widespread panic among the public and hindering President Harris and Yusef from achieving their desired objectives. In the aftermath, Aladeen's actions nearly spark war between Wadiya and the United States, forcing General Aladeen to carry out an absurd last-minute mission to prevent all-out war. After a series of events spirals out of control, General Aladeen manages to execute a peaceful outcome. He returns to Wadiya, leaving behind his American lover and bringing with him a self-aware consciousness and, dare it be said, a lingering hope for change. Throughout the rest of the film, it becomes harder to differentiate Aladeen's true motives from that of those around him. As all of this comes to a close, the movie jumps back into the opening scene where it actually begins, ultimately resulting in General Aladeen convincing Wadiyan society that democracy would never replace the ruthless rule that was synonymous with his name. The film satirizes politics, democracy, the misconception of developing an immediate relationship between East and West, Middle Eastern culture, the news media, war and the government in its biting reviews of public awareness. Through General Aladeen's dynamic and unpredictable personality, The Dictator succeeds at poking fun at various aspects of society without diminishing its substance, a mark of true satire at its finest.