Columbine Film Techniques

Various documentary filmmakers attempt to change or improve society in some way with their documentaries. Their overall goal is to bring to light a certain cause or injustice with the hope that their film will help stimulate the masses to demand change. The hard hitting documentary and bureaucratic documentary filmmaker Michael Moore explores the circumstances that lead to the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and, more broadly, the development of guns and the high homicide rate in America. The 2002 documentary focuses on America's love affair with firearms and the unhealthiness of destructiveness in the United States, which has the highest gun-murder rate in the world. The use of film techniques and editing the style of filmmaking that makes

this documentary an essential film to watch.

The director of "Bowling for Columbine" uses a wide variety of film techniques in the overall production of the suitable and educational documentary.In his trademark provocative fashion, Moore confronts Kmart corporate employees and demands the production of bullets, examines why Canada doesn't have the same excessive rate of gun violence and questions actor Charlton Heston on his support of the National Rifle Association.

With the constant interrogation shown in the film, Moore manipulates the situation into his hands. At the climax, Moore visits actor and National Rifle Association Chairman, Charlton Heston in his Hollywood home for an up-close and personal interview where Moore asks him about American firearm violence. Moore then questions Heston if he'd like to apologise for leading NRA rallies in Flint after the Elementary School shooting and in Littleton after the Columbine shooting. When Moore begins asking more cutting questions about his role in NRA rallies and support of gun ownership and Heston's opposition to handgun control laws, Heston then abruptly leaves the

interview.

The unique techniques used in the film enhance the message. Moore attacks the controversial white supremacy aka racism while incorporating humour and animation. Throughout the film, the intense subject is mocked by the short animation film explaining the abrupt history of the United States of America and how it came to be. Increasing resistance to this particular money-making system is met by the concoction of multiple shooting weapons. The organisations primary goal was the reestablishment of white supremacy which was fulfilled through Democratic victories in state legislatures across the South in the 1870s. When the KKK was declared illegal, the NRA is born. In the brief film “whites” were seen running in horror which then led to the excessive production of guns. Therefore adding up to the conclusion that much fear in the U.S. is racially based.

The directors of the film have produced a truly observational style of film.

The audience is left to rely on the audio aspect as they grasp what is happening. In the final scene the documentary ends with the Heston walking away from the interview and Moore placing an image of a young child whom was a victim from his actions. The scene is then accompanied by “What a Wonderful World” which contradicts the entire documentary. The imagination of the audience is put into effect as they fill the gaps, proving quite the opposite with persuasive success in the following scene illustrating the previous mentioned What a Wonderful World montage. Often times throughout the documentary the music that is played in the background clashes with the visuals shown on screen. There is juxtaposition between the visuals or austere images and the harmonious melody. The irony makes the audience feel disturbed in what they are seeing quite unparalleled to what they are hearing hence leaving a greater impression in their minds.

In conclusion, the documentary film "Bowling for Columbine" is a worthwhile yet ideal film to watch and study. The overall purpose and goal of a documentary is to bring to light a certain cause or injustice with the hope that their film will help stimulate the masses to demand

change.