Every year there are a handful of films at best that just blow me away and make me feel happy to be a film fan. This is one of those films. This will definitely be on my top-ten list for the year. The title is in reference to the Columbine killers attending bowling class on the day of the murders.
Populist director and author Michael Moore (ROGER & ME) has taken on the issue of gun violence in America. What makes the film so amazing is that he looks at all the easy explanations for the crisis from both the liberal and conservative points of view and shows how all of them really don't prove why America is so much more violent than all the other developed countries. For instance Canada has the same amount of guns per capita, but 10 times less gun violence. But than in Canada, banks probably don't give out free guns when you open a banking account.
The film is part documentary and part performance art because Moore sets up scenarios that maximize his point and dramatic effect. At one point, he takes two kids, who were shot at Columbine, and still have bullets in them, to K-Mart headquarters to return the bullets. And something happens when they go that no one would have expected.
Though the film doesn't try to present any clear-cut answers to the problem, I still think that within the film lies the hard truth. It's a mixture of America's unreasonable fear, lack of responsibility, greed, and unquenchable strive to be #1. The most compelling point is how local news runs by the motto, "If it bleeds, it leads." With violence consuming news coverage, the sense that the boogey man is lurking behind the corner makes people irrationally on edge. Or course, one of the leading issues is personal responsibility. The fact still stands that when someone owns a gun, it is far more likely that someone within the home will be shot with it than an intruder.
To make these points he talks to some famous people about their thoughts on violence. SOUTH PARK creator Matt Stone grew up in a Colorado town much like Columbine and understands the resentment of the killers, but not the murderous response. Marilyn Manson, who is often blamed for inciting violence, has the most sensible comments about who influences kids more. Moore closes with a disastrous interview with former NRA-president Charlton Heston that has to be seen to be believed.
Oh, and did I mention, the film is hilarious to boot. Moore balances between humor and moments of real depth and emotion. The film makes you think. The film should be a requirement for all Americans to watch.
Buy "Bowling for Columbine" on DVD Here!
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
