New York Times writer Dave Itzkoff used a piece about Adam Sandler’s “You Don’t Mess With Zohan” in this weekend’s paper to discuss the subversive and sensitive politics of Israeli-Arab tensions embeded beneath the broader, farcical comedy we’re normally used to from a Sandler comedy.
He writes, “What the ad campaign for ‘Zohan’ does not emphasize is that the film also attempts to satirize the continuing tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and provide humorous commentary on one of the least funny topics of modern times with a comedian who is not exactly known for incisive political wit.”
In one section of the film, Arabs trying to take down Zohan (Sander) call the “Hezbollah Phone Line” for instructions on how to build a bomb. Much to their chagrin, they reach the voicemail that notifies them that the information is currently not available during peace talks with Israel, and they are instructed to call back “as soon as negotiations break down.”
“I’m not sure we do have permission,” said Robert Smigel, aka Triumph The Insult Dog, one of the film’s screenwriters said about skewering the sensitive topic. “But we thought it would be a funny idea.”
But hold the phone, ‘Zohan,’ an Adam Sandler comedy cost a reported $90 million to make according to the Times? $90 million??? Sure, there’s some car chases and maybe some funny rocket launcher scenes, but almost 100 mil? Does that not seem preposterous and completely over-indulgent for a comedy? Did 5 million alone go to Mariah Carey’s wardrobe? Has hair-frosting gone way up in price? Was it spent on security for all the Israeli’s and Arabs who were going to shell the production with mortars? We’re confused.