[CLUE-Talk] Bowling for Columbine

[Jeffery Cann]

On Sunday 01 December 2002 11:17 pm, Sean LeBlanc wrote:

> I'm actually pro-gun, and I find giving a *gun* for opening a *bank
> account* over the line - wouldn't it be irony if they were held up with a
> gun they gave away?

The bank, in Michigan, exists and is a licensed gun dealer.  In the movie, the 
bank person who helped Moore open an account said on film that the bank has 
about 500 guns on site.  Whoa!

> What about it Jeff? Were there other memorable moments like these? Like I
> said, I plan on seeing it, but don't worry about any spoilers, at least for
> me...it's not like a documentary is going to be a whodunnit. :)

The Charleton Heston interview was unbelievable.  The 2 hour film is worth it 
just for it.  Other noteworthy events:  South Park references and a short 
'History of America', South Park style.  Interviews with Marilyn Manson, 
K-Mart executives, Michigan Militiamen and James Nichols

There are a lot of juxtapositions in the movie that illustrate the irony of 
violence in the US.  For example, the interview with a Lockheed-Martin exec, 
here in Littleton was far out.  Here's a guy talking about the Columbine 
incident, while in the background behind him is a giant missle, err weapon of 
mass destruction...  He's saying he cannot understand why the boys who shot 
up Columbine 'restored to violence'.  Certainly food for thought.

I don't think the film's final message is 'get rid of all guns' in the US to 
stop handgun violence.  Probably, folks affilated with the NRA would dislike 
the portrayal of Heston and other 'gun nuts'.  But, the take home message is 
not what I expected and provides ample room for debate.

Jeff


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