Bowling for columbine(unfinished)

           Does possessing a gun make us safer or does it just increase our chances of being shot? It has been said that if we possess a gun, the odds are more likely that our own gun will be used against us and our loved ones in the midst of a potentially harmful situation. Michael Moore explores the ideas of why we are so paranoid to the point where we feel the need to possess firearms and manages to put a humorous spin on the otherwise serious topic. With a handful of courage, Moore scrutinizes Kmart and the fact that they make guns and ammunition so easily accessible. .



         Moore begins his exploration of America's predisposition for gun violence by lining up the usual suspects and interrogating them. Sometimes this involves interviewing actual people, such as James Nichols, who gives what is to be considered as standard extremist arguments for the aimless right to bear arms and explosives, though stopping short at allowing private ownership of nuclear ownership since "there are a lot of nuts out there." The cold realism becomes more unsettling as Nichols shows Moore the loaded 44 Magnum he keeps under his pillow, and jokingly points it to his own forehead. Moore also conducts interviews with the young people in the area of Flint, Michigan to learn their astonishingly casual views on the use of guns and explosives. Naturally, Moore is searching for extremists, not to hold them as representatives of the entire population, but to show how such people can regularly emerge out of a seemingly normal society.


         Moore has a lot to say on his chosen subject of violence in America and he tends to drift from one aspect to the next. Although these topics are all very interesting, especially due to the unexpected twist of humor presented, but the wealth of statistics and various opinions make the film attain a drudgy feeling while it should be energetic. One of the problems is the deceiving interview with NRA president, Charlton Heston. Moore attempts to corner Heston into making a statement as to why America is so in love with guns and to why there is so much violence. Heston, who is portrayed as an obvious unfierce creature, was unable to answer Moores questions due to the documentarian's satisfaction and the interview descended to a badgering session. While having the head of the National Rifle Association as one of his subjects is an asset to Moore's project, the lack of definitive answers makes the "big finale" fall flat, although the picture left behind by Moore, speaks a thousand words.