Bowling for Columbine

 

Story:

Famed filmmaker and left-wing political humorist Michael Moore tackles America's obsession with firearms in this Oscar-winning documentary. Focusing mainly on the Columbine massacre in April 1999, Moore also visits a Michigan bank that gives new customers a free gun, recites statistics for gun deaths in the United States and interviews folks ranging from National Rifle Association spokesman Charlton Heston to shock rocker Marilyn Manson (NetFlix).

Review:

If you read my review of Roger and Me, you may already know of my general lack of interest (as positive a spin as I can put) in Michael Moore’s films.  After watching Roger & Me, I felt it was only right to rewatch Bowling for Columbine- because if you are going to say you don’t like an Oscar Winning film, you better have reasons for it.

What I do applaud Moore for is attempting to take on one of the most powerful lobbyist groups in the country.  With that said, I honestly do appreciate the first half of this documentary.  The opening scene at the bank is hilarious and quite poignant and following Charlton Heston around as he promotes the NRA at cities where people have been murdered by guns is about as eye opening as you can get.

However, the second half of Bowling for Columbine just starts to die out as Moore seems to become obsessed with winning smaller battles instead of the larger goal of gun control.  He also starts to contradict himself and I started to wonder if there really is a specific reason for why American violence is so much higher than anywhere else in the world.  He also has ignored some crucial facts (U.S. citizens have more small arms than every military in the world, etc) and instead focuses on connecting a KKK connection and interviewing Matt Stone because both create better satire.

I also take issue with the final scene where Moore confronts Charlton Heston at his apartment.  I don’t think I’ve ever gone from despising someone to feeling empathy and sympathy for them so quickly.  I am referring of course to Heston and watching Moore place the picture of a gunshot victim at his apartment was the first time I realized Moore’s films are more about himself than his subject matter.

Though I appreciate his technical gifts and his ability to create biting satire, I don’t think I can ever truly recommend his films because they always seem to miss the point or get lost in his own opinions.  Bowling for Columbine is certainly a great film for the first 45 minutes, but the remaining portion only hurts the foundation he started to build upon.

Extra Sources for further research:

Any websites or known books that could help for those seeking further information or hope to find a counter argument, if one would exist.

Reviewed by Matthew Abshire for Documentary Film Online on May 09, 2007

In Conclusion: