I would never call myself cultural elite, but you might be cultural elite.

I think American culture had just become so disengaged from the process of government, and we'd been so fuzzed out by our pop culture around us, that I don't think people really saw this guy for what he was.

“Firewall” seems both scary and protective at the same time. And how often does that happen within one word besides “military” and “government?”

I don't want to speak for my movies; you could say my movies are just completely silly and dumb, but in the case of 'Idiocracy' and 'Borat,' without a doubt there is a really subversive and sophisticated assault on American culture. It's one thing to mess stuff up and break stuff, but [Borat] is really pointing out the ideology of America. It's one thing to break stuff and damage people's possessions, but when you start aiming at the ideology of America, that's dangerous comedy.

Any time Chris Nolan wants to call me for advice, he can.

I think what's dangerous [about comedy] is that you're coming into the room announcing your intentions.

You have to be able to fail with the improv. You have to not care.