A constant message throughout this documentary is that because some mentally challenged teens shot up a school and killed 15 students the 80 million responsible gun owners who handle over 300 million firearms in the US are somehow responsible (2011 Gallup Firearms Survey). Give credit where credit is due Moore did an outstanding job in selecting the most stereotypical, moronic and entertaining “pro-gunners”. Frederick smith of the Fox daily bulletin criticized Moore’s choice of psychopathic Nichol brother who was acquitted of charges in relation to the Oklahoma City Bombing. He stated “Moore’s choice of interviewee in regards to gun violence is absurd, and totally politically motivated, by choosing this one un-stable man he is generalizing and that is dangerous”. There is doubt that
Bowling for Columbine The title of the documentary, Bowling for Columbine, pays homage to the events of April 20, 1999, where in Littleton, Colorado Erick Harris and Dylan Kiebold when bowling at 6:00AM before going on a shooting spree at Columbine High School. They killed a teacher, twelve students, and injured countless others both physically and mentally. The world gasped, confused as to how and why such an event could occur. Having really little clue what to expect in turning on Bowling for Columbine, I found the vignettes a bit overwhelming and the flood of statistics shocking. I often found my self-pondering one fact or another forgetting that the movie was still on!
The scene of the movie, in which Walt Kowalski first helps Sue Vang Lor, demonstrates that guns add to a man’s perceived masculinity because of the power the weapon holder has with the firearm. In this scene, Sue is surrounded and harassed by three black males. While driving by, Kowalski spots the situation and comes to Sue’s aid. The three older teens did not see Kowalski as any threat until he, without hesitation, pulls a gun out of his belt. Caught off guard, the three quickly change their perspective of Kowalski from nothing more than an old man to someone who demands respect.
Bowling For Columbine Analysis Michael Moore's documentary, "Bowling For Columbine," is a very insightful film of the American aspect on firearms. Moore's main idea for the film is gun control in America and uses examples such as the Columbine shooting and the shooting that took place in Flint, Michigan when a little girl was shot and killed by her classmate. He was trying to spread the word about how lenient we are as Americans on the gun control policy. Moore proved his point about our leniency when he walked into North Country Bank & Trust and opened an account and got a free gun just for doing so. America is practically handing out guns to anyone.
eBowling for Columbine Michael Moore’s ”Bowling for columbine” is a documentary, which shows that the Americans live in a nation with millions of handguns, but that is not what bother Moore the most. What bothers him the most is that the Americans so frequently shoot them at one another. Michael Moore tells us about the National Rifle Association, and about the Columbine massacre. Horrifying security-camera footage from the massacre is being showed, and Michel Moore introduces us to two students from Columbine High school, who both lives with bullets in their bodies. What is especially fantastic in this documentary is that Michael Moore is able to shows us those scary pictures who make people think.
This documentary heavily revolves around the idea that the main cause of gun violence in America is due to so many American’s being immersed in a culture of fear. This matter is brought up by Rock Artist Marilyn Manson whos music was targeted by the media in the wake of The Columbine Massacre as a cause of the mass shooting. “It’s a campaign of fear and consumption” says Manson, “Keep the people scared and they will consume”. Moore seems to agree as he plays a montage of TV news headlines that blast viewers with images of crime after crime. This shows the viewer how Americans are not being shown the more important news story’s when a clip reveals “new speedbumps” being setup in a peaceful town in Canada.
Velisarios’s strength that is ‘’famous all over the islands of Ionia’’ are in contrast to a more modern day perception of fame; worldwide. Again, this gives the feel of a closed and naïve community. Despite his power, Velisarios is painted as a kind and good natured character who would ‘’reward his little victims with sweets’’. The irony of this sentence shows the character of the man beyond his strength, as well as suggesting that his ‘talent’ is wasted on such frivolity. This is highlighted again with the genuine care that he shows when he accidently shoots Mandras with his cannon, again employing his strength in order to carry his to the doctor’s house.
He also loves the feeling that he is “famous”, or admired by others. He searches only for cases that will make headline news. During this film, he exploits his ex-girlfriend to get what he wants, at the expense of her job. This shows that he is manipulative and doesn’t care about the feelings of others. Martin Vail displays multiple symptoms throughout the film that correlate with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Rhetorical Analysis of Bowling for Columbine Michael Moore’s film Bowling for Columbine examines the use of guns and related violence. Moore’s main argument in the film is that Americans are kept afraid of each other, which is what causes disproportionate gun violence, as compared with other nations. It is especially evident that the film is intended to appeal to an audience of individuals who are against guns or are advocates of gun control and safety. Moore’s appeal aims to take the audience through an exploration of the history of guns and violence, while stirring up the question of when young people commit violent acts, who should be blamed? Bowling for Columbine follows a rhetorical format that applies heavy use of ethos, pathos, and logos to form his message of a “trigger-happy” America.
A documentary often serves to position the viewer to consider the perspective that it presents. Michael Moore's 2002 documentary Bowling for Columbine (what a wonderful world) is about a shooting massacre that assured at columbine high school. Moores uses the incident as to ask questions as to why america is such a a violent nation, full of fear that people are driven to the extent of having to posses a weapon so as to feel safer. Moore compares America to there neighboring country canada frequently, using examples such as the similar gun laws that they have and how they not feel the need to own a gun to feel safe. Moore also interviews a variety of people like Charlton Heston the former president of the national rifle association (NRA) and celebrity icons and other people off the streets.