As one woman of Glod told The Associated Press: ``We thought they came here to help us -- not mock us.'' Whether any have legal grounds remains to be seen. Although all signed releases waiving their right to sue for defamation, invasion of privacy or fraud, some claim they didn't understand the agreement. The frat boys say they were drunk when they signed.
Performing improv with unknowing participants is both the fun and the fury of ``Borat." The best part is how Cohen, an observant Jew in real life, reclaims anti-Semitism and exposes the absurdity of prejudice. In one unforgettable scene, he and his sidekick frantically toss dollar bills at cockroaches, believing them to be their shape-shifting Jewish innkeepers.
If you find that utterly ridiculous, you have reached the intended conclusion.
The film otherwise is raunchy and scatological in the extreme. Some parts are hilarious, such as when Borat learns that his hideous wife back home has died, which prompts him to ``High-five!'' the messenger.
Other parts are unforgivably mean, such as when he insults the wife of a Birmingham, Ala., minister at a dinner party arranged to instruct Borat in Southern etiquette.
What we learn from that session -- which includes Borat excusing himself to visit the loo and returning with the proceeds in a sack -- is that these are truly fine people. Gracious and openhearted toward ``the foreigner,'' the Southerners treat Borat respectfully even when he deserves to be defenestrated.
While Borat may have revealed some of the worst of us, he also revealed some of the best. Americans can be credulous, obtuse and tiny-minded, but they also can be generous, kind and forgiving. Many have laughed at themselves upon realizing they'd been duped.
Others not so much, as Borat would put it.
Whatever the outcome of the lawsuits, ``Borat" is making zillions and surely those who were played deserve some of the rewards. Beyond suing, there are other solutions to this silliness.
For starters, Cohen might toss a few million Glod's way. Otherwise, I see road signs: ``Borat's Southern Etiquette and Dining Club.'' Next exit.
High-five.