The Dictator (2012) is a satirical comedy film starring Sacha Baron Cohen as General Aladeen, the ruthless dictator of the fictional North African country of Wadiya. After his uncle is murdered, Aladeen travels to New York to address the United Nations and prevent his country from being democratic. In the process, Aladeen finds himself in a series of chaotic situations, including a battle for control of his country’s oil and facing opposition from a corporate conglomerate. The film explores themes of power, dictatorship, and social issues with humor and absurdity.

The Dictator employs irony throughout by contrasting General Aladeen’s extreme authoritarian behavior with the modern world, highlighting the absurdity of his outdated and oppressive views. Understatement is used when Aladeen downplays his violent and oppressive actions, such as when he casually discusses executing his citizens or committing atrocities without remorse, which ironically makes his actions seem even more egregious. Hyperbole is evident in Aladeen’s exaggerated self-importance and delusional sense of superiority, such as when he insists on his total control over Wadiya, despite his arrogance and the chaos he creates. The film also uses ironic situations, such as when Aladeen, who believes in absolute power, becomes a pawn in a larger corporate scheme, undermining his own authority. Finally, the film’s humor often comes from the clash between Aladeen’s grandiose self-image and the increasingly ridiculous scenarios he faces, making his character’s arrogance and ignorance seem even more extreme through hyperbolic situations.

The Dictator goes beyond simple mockery by using its absurd humor to critique authoritarianism and power structures. Through Aladeen’s character, the film highlights the dangers of unchecked leadership, exposing how dictatorships thrive on oppression and violence. It also satirizes corporate greed, illustrating how big businesses manipulate democracy for profit, often disregarding ethical concerns. The film critiques global complacency toward human rights abuses, using Aladeen’s clumsy interactions in the Western world to show the disconnect between ideals and actions. Ultimately, it encourages viewers to reflect on societal flaws, urging them to challenge corruption and inequality