Guide Note

Bowling for Columbine is a controversial 2002 documentary film written and directed by Michael Moore that examines events surrounding the Columbine High School massacre. Included in the film are interviews with Columbine victims, former president of the National Rifle Association Charlton Heston, recording artist Marilyn Manson and South Park creator and former Columbine High student Matt Stone.

Moore uses the Columbine tragedy as a springboard for exploring the history of guns and related violence in the United States, what they have come to symbolize in the popular culture and why the U.S. experiences so many more violent gun deaths than other developed nations.

Fast Facts

1. Written and Directed by Michael Moore
2. MPAA Rating: R
3. Duration: 120 minutes
4. 2003 Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Feature
5. Release Date: October 11, 2002
6. Release Company: MGM, United Artists

An early scene in the film shows Moore entering a bank in Michigan, opening up a savings account and then receiving a free hunting rifle in return for his business. Upon exiting the bank, Moore says to the teller, "here's my first question. Do you think it's kind of dangerous handing out guns at a bank?"