This ranks as one of my favorite films of all time, and for good reason. First of all, any movie that can make me laugh hysterically, cry and fill up with anger is something very special. "Bowling for Columbine" made me experience a rollercoaster of emotions, and it should be seen by everyone!
I've loved Michael Moore ever since I saw "Roger and Me." When I was told, in my class, that I was about to watch a documentary about the closing of a GM plant in a Michigan town, I was prepared to be bored out of my mind. But Moore constructed the film in such a way that it was funny, entertaining and touching. He made the subject matter relatable to the average human being. In the case of "Columbine" I was already interested in the subject matter, and Moore's treatment of it heightened my interest.
The movie explores all aspects of violence in this country, and how it compares to violence in other countries. It makes a great argument about violence in the media. Moore shows that in Canada young people play the same violent video games and watch the same violent movies, yet the country manages to be generally non-violent. So take that, all you dummies who attribute every violent crime in the U.S. to what we see on TV and in the movies.
The Charlton Heston interview at the conclusion is one of the film's highlights. From now on, I will never be able to watch a Heston film the same way ever again. The guy is the Antichrist! The animated sequence is another great moment. It's a hilarious, yet truthful sequence that sums up the cycle of violence dating back to the very, very early days.
The movie also touches on some other provocative subjects, like the portrayal of minorities in the media. Moore intercuts an interview with the creator of the show "Cops," with a comedy sketch that gives us an idea of what the show would be like if it fixated on white-collar crime.
To sum it up, few films have moved me more than "Bowling for Columbine." People criticize Moore for being "manipulative." You can't be manipulated into something unless you at least somewhat believe in it. He's not a Fascist dictator. He's a simply working-class Joe who wants to express his views. If you don't agree with his views, that's fine. But don't stop the rest of us from appreciating his work. Because I believe he deserves every bit of recognition he gets. He truly is a genius!
My score: 10 (out of 10)
I've loved Michael Moore ever since I saw "Roger and Me." When I was told, in my class, that I was about to watch a documentary about the closing of a GM plant in a Michigan town, I was prepared to be bored out of my mind. But Moore constructed the film in such a way that it was funny, entertaining and touching. He made the subject matter relatable to the average human being. In the case of "Columbine" I was already interested in the subject matter, and Moore's treatment of it heightened my interest.
The movie explores all aspects of violence in this country, and how it compares to violence in other countries. It makes a great argument about violence in the media. Moore shows that in Canada young people play the same violent video games and watch the same violent movies, yet the country manages to be generally non-violent. So take that, all you dummies who attribute every violent crime in the U.S. to what we see on TV and in the movies.
The Charlton Heston interview at the conclusion is one of the film's highlights. From now on, I will never be able to watch a Heston film the same way ever again. The guy is the Antichrist! The animated sequence is another great moment. It's a hilarious, yet truthful sequence that sums up the cycle of violence dating back to the very, very early days.
The movie also touches on some other provocative subjects, like the portrayal of minorities in the media. Moore intercuts an interview with the creator of the show "Cops," with a comedy sketch that gives us an idea of what the show would be like if it fixated on white-collar crime.
To sum it up, few films have moved me more than "Bowling for Columbine." People criticize Moore for being "manipulative." You can't be manipulated into something unless you at least somewhat believe in it. He's not a Fascist dictator. He's a simply working-class Joe who wants to express his views. If you don't agree with his views, that's fine. But don't stop the rest of us from appreciating his work. Because I believe he deserves every bit of recognition he gets. He truly is a genius!
My score: 10 (out of 10)