Bowling for Columbine

2002
15
2h

IMDb RATING

8.0/10

150K

YOUR RATING

Michael Moore in Bowling for Columbine (2002)

Home Video Trailer from MGM Home Entertainment

Play trailer2:07

2 Videos

47 Photos

Political Documentary Crime Documentary Drama

Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.0/10

150K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 1 Oscar
- 39 wins & 13 nominations total

Self
(archive footage)

George W. Bush

Self
(archive footage)

Michael Caldwell

Self - Police Detective

Richard Castaldo

Self - Columbine Victim

Dick Clark

Self

Bill Clinton

Self
(archive footage)

Steve Davis

Self - Deputy Sheriff
(archive footage)

Ngo Dinh Diem

Self - President of South Vietnam
(archive footage)

Mike Epstein

Self - Shopper in Mall

Joe Farmer

Self - Superintendent of Schools
(archive footage)

Denny Fennell

Self - Home Security Consultant

Barry Glassner

Self - Author of 'The Culture of Fear'
(as Prof. Barry Glassner)

Director
- Michael Moore
Writer
- Michael Moore
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Because the film didn't fit neatly into any established categories at Cannes, the Jury created a special 55th Anniversary Award just for the film.

Goofs
As Charlton Heston walks away from Michael Moore in the final interview, the scene cuts repeatedly between Heston (point of view from behind Moore) and Moore (point of view from the stairs directly in front of Moore) holding a photo of the slain Flint, Michigan girl and asking Heston to look at it. When the POV is of Moore holding the photo, there is clearly no cameraman anywhere behind him. The same with the POV of Heston, there is clearly no cameraman anywhere in front of Moore. So the two POVs were not filmed simultaneously as the film implies.

Quotes
Michael Moore: If you were to talk directly to the kids at Columbine or the people in that community, what would you say to them if they were here right now?
Marilyn Manson: I wouldn't say a single word to them. I would listen to what they have to say, and that's what no one did.

Crazy credits
In the credits, there is a thank-you to Mike's Militia--Athens Branch. This does not exist; during his speaking engagement at Ohio University to promote his book "Stupid White Men", Michael Moore screened two versions of the "History of gun control" animated segment, which featured the same animation but different narration. The audience was asked to vote on which of the two versions should be included. After choosing a version, Moore claimed he would include Athens, Ohio and the audience in the credits, but wasn't sure what name to give credit to. Several suggestions were shouted out and Mike Michigan Militia, Athens, Ohio branch was finally chosen.

Alternate versions
In the theatrical release, a caption was inserted into a 1988 Bush-Quayle ad, "Revolving Doors," which read "Willie Horton released. Then kills again." In the DVD release, the caption reads "Willie Horton released. Then rapes a woman." Neither version makes it clear that the text was not part of the original ad.

Connections
Edited from Peasants' Paradise (1931)

Soundtracks
Take the Skinheads Bowling
(1985)
Written by Victor Krummenacher, David Lowery, Christopher Molla, and
Jonathan Segel
Performed by Teenage Fanclub

User reviews899

Review

Featured review

10/10

Fascinating

Documentary by Michael Moore about the NRA and America's fascination with guns. Much of the footage deals with Columbine and the case in which a 6 year old boy shot to death a 6 year old girl. It all culminates in an interview with the head of the NRA Charlton Heston.

Riveting, chilling, hilarious and absolutely incredible movie despite what your views are on the gun issue. Moore's views are definetely anti-gun but he does try to show the opposite side also. Moore questions why there are so many killings in America by guns and almost none in other countries. He gives no real answers to this question but he raises a lot of interesting points and theories. I walked out of the theatre very shaken but, in a way, exhilirated. This is truly a great documentary.

I'm not going to review this fully--it's a movie you should see for yourself. A definite must-see.