Sadly,
documentaries are not embraced in the same way feature films are. That's a shame,
because film makers like Errol Morris have made incredible contributions to the
medium. Michael Moore is perhaps the best known of all documentary film makers
thanks mostly impart to the brilliant Roger and Me. Moore also took big cooperate
business to task in the entertaining The Big One. Bowling for Columbine, however,
is probably his most significant work simply because it involves us all as Americans.
The issue on display here is gun control.
In
Bowling for Columbine, Moore tries to determine why America has more gun related
fatalities then any other country, and he will stop at nothing to get answers.
This includes putting many high profile celebrities in the hot seat. Moore interviews
Marilyn Manson, Matt Stone, and even tracks down a hesitant Dick Clark. In one
of cinema's most uncomfortable scenes, Moore even sits down with N.R.A. President
Charleton Heston, and attempts to probe the legendary actor with numerous questions
about the history of violence.
In
all honesty, Bowling For Columbine would have been my favorite picture of the
year if it weren't for a few moments in which Moore seems to over reach. This
guy will do nearly anything to make a thought-provoking documentary, including
taking two Columbine survivors to K-Mart headquarters to plead with the major
chain to stop selling bullets. While his intentions are clearly noble, some times
he goes a bit too far. At one moment in the picture, he tries to link Dick Clark
to a case involving a six-year-old girl shot by a classmate. While Clark was involved
in a round about way, this moment seemed a tad absurd. While watching Bowling
for Columbine, it's also obvious which big names Moore wants to make look like
idiots. Moore does his homework and he knows what questions to ask. But too often,
the playing field isn't quite level. Some of the people that Moore goes after
are put on the spot. Unlike Moore, they haven't really had sufficient time to
prepare. On the other hand, the questions asked don't really involve rocket science.
Michael
Moore is a lifetime member of the N.R.A., so his point of view is an interesting
one. I've already heard many complain that Bowling for Columbine is one-sided
in it's views. I don't get that at all. Moore made the film, and obviously, this
is his view. I seriously doubt that many can honestly dismiss the valid points
he's making in this picture. If so, they should go out and make their own documentary.
There
is no denying Bowling for Columbine's power. It's a deeply thought provoking film
with many laughs along the way. It's the first documentary that Moore has made
in which even he doesn't always know how to react in certain situations. It's
that sense of honesty and sincerity that really makes this film so moving. Throughout
Bowling for Columbine, I could hear audience members sobbing then breaking into
laughter. Moore has fashioned an extremely accomplished work that, even when it
goes to far, is both relevant and powerful.
