Filmmaker, author and pundit Michael Moore returns with Bowling for Columbine, his fifth film. Focusing on the obsession with guns and violence in the United States, this film was the first documentary to compete in the Cannes Film Festival's main competition in 46 years. It was picked up for distribution by United Artists shortly thereafter.
The trademark humor in present in all of Moore's films will certainly be present here. Seeing a Michigan bank advertise an odd gift, Moore visits, opens an account, and walks out with a brand new rifle. Moore also tracks down actor and National Rifle Association president Charlton Heston for an interview.
The title of the film is taken from an actual fact about the 1999 Colorado school shooting. Before going on their massacre, the two students who killed 13 others before killing themselves went bowling. Moore then asks, instead of blaming violent music or violent movies for the shootings, why not blame bowling?
Moore's first film, Roger & Me, was the highest grossing documentary of all time until Hoop Dreams. His current book, Stupid White Men, has been at or near the top of the New York Times bestseller list since publication. But Moore's political views and the subject matter of the film will cause UA to play Bowling for Columbine to a limited audience. Despite earning glowing reviews from Cannes, most viewers will have to wait until video before seeing this film. (Tim Briody/BOP)
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