Watch Bowling for Columbine

Bowling for Columbine is a documentary film by Michael Moore released in 2002. It examines the culture of guns and violence in America, particularly in the aftermath of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. The film opens with a scene of Moore visiting a bank in Michigan where he is offered a free gun for opening a new account. This sets the tone for the film, which questions why America has such a high rate of gun violence compared to other countries. Moore interviews a range of people, including students, teachers, gun owners, politicians, and even musician Marilyn Manson.

Throughout the film, Moore investigates the reasons behind the Columbine shooting, speaking with survivors and parents of victims. He also interviews Charlton Heston, then-president of the National Rifle Association, and confronts him about the organization's stance on gun control.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Moore walks into a bank in a primarily black neighborhood and asks if he can open an account to get a free gun. When he is told that the offer does not apply in that particular branch, Moore questions why the bank would promote guns in other areas but not there. This scene highlights issues of race and class in America and their relation to gun violence.

Moore also examines the media's role in perpetuating a culture of fear and violence, particularly in news coverage of mass shootings. He contrasts the coverage of Columbine with that of a shooting in Canada where the shooter was unarmed but still managed to kill several people. This sheds light on the powerful impact that media coverage can have on the public's perception of events.

The film does not present a clear solution to America's gun violence problem, but it does offer some suggestions. Moore proposes that fear and paranoia are at the root of America's obsession with guns, and that measures such as universal healthcare and stronger social safety nets could help reduce this fear. However, he also acknowledges that these are complex issues that will require more than just one solution.

Overall, Bowling for Columbine is a thought-provoking and controversial film that raises important questions about America's relationship with guns and violence. It is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and political factors contributing to gun violence in the United States.

Bowling for Columbine is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 72.