How Does Michael Moore Use Documentary Techniques In Bowling For Columbine

In 2002, the critically acclaimed documentary “Bowling for columbine” was released by left-wing activist, Michael Moore, which displays his bias and negative opinion towards America’s second amendment and much of what it represents. Moore uses a vast variety of documentary techniques to illustrate the uncontrollable and hazardous nature of gun and general weapon accessibility in America and how changes are needed as it promotes violence. As seen in the film, Moore uses many documentary devices that supports his biased message such as his combined use of CCTV footage and 911 calls of the Columbine shooting where he compels the audience to empathise with the victims. Additionally, Moore’s use of direct interviews enforces sympathy towards viewers, …show more content…
This is perfectly displayed in the documentary when Moore displays the real life CCTV footage of the Columbine shooting. The footage illustrates the two seniors, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, in the cafeteria of the school with a plethora of knives, bombs and - most importantly – guns, as they destroy everything and kill 12 people. The CCTV footage promotes the personalisation of the crime allowing the audience to experience what the victims thought and felt as Moore situates the viewers in the exact place and time as the victims. The footage compels the viewer to think of what their actions would be during the time of the event, positioning them to feel pity for what the student and teachers of Columbine felt that day. Therefore, Moore correlates the tragedy of Columbine and the negative effect guns have with personalisation which promotes the negative bias Moore has towards America’s gun …show more content…
As seen in the Michigan Militia scene at the beginning of the documentary, Moore is directly talking to some of the Michigan Militia members and asks confrontational questions about the type of guns they keep at their homes. Then, the members respond with the types of guns that make them appear ‘crazy’. The effect of their ‘hard-core’ responses seem to make the Militia radical and extreme which helps Moore’s biased message. Through what is seen and heard, Moore chooses to withhold all the reasonable responses and doesn’t reveal the opinions of other members as they may demonstrate a more logical and level-headed side to the Militia. Therefore, Moore’s biased anti-gun message is strengthened by controlling the audience to see and hear what he