Bowling for Columbine
Are we a nation of gun nuts or are we just nuts?
Overview
This is not a film about gun control. It is a film about the fearful heart and soul of the United States, and the 280 million Americans lucky enough to have the right to a constitutionally protected Uzi. From a look at the Columbine High School security camera tapes to the home of Oscar-winning NRA President Charlton Heston, from a young man who makes homemade napalm with The Anarchist's Cookbook to the murder of a six-year-old girl by another six-year-old. Bowling for Columbine is a journey through the US, through our past, hoping to discover why our pursuit of happiness is so riddled with violence.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in the wake of the Columbine shooting and other high-profile gun violence incidents, 'Bowling for Columbine' taps into a deep-seated anxiety about safety and security in America. It challenges the narrative that gun ownership solely provides protection and probes deeper into the cultural and historical factors that contribute to gun violence.
- It's a thought-provoking exploration of American gun culture and its roots.
- Michael Moore's confrontational and often humorous interview style makes for compelling viewing.
- The film raises important questions about media influence, fear, and societal values.
- It offers a unique perspective on the Columbine High School massacre, going beyond simplistic explanations.
Fun Facts
- Michael Moore bought a rifle at a Kmart store in Michigan as part of the film, highlighting the ease of purchasing firearms.
- Charlton Heston initially agreed to a longer interview but cut it short after Moore questioned him about a rally he held in Littleton, Colorado shortly after the Columbine massacre.
- The animated segment depicting the history of America's relationship with guns was created by Harold Mossberg.