Before viewing the documentary Bowling for Columbine, I had never heard of Michael Moore. It is quite possible that I have seen other films produced by him, but I wouldn't know. One thing that I do know about Michael Moore though, is that he has strong, strategic strategies that pull in the audience and persuade each and every viewer to side with him, or at least realize that he does make a valid point.
Michael Moore uses a sense of sarcasm and humor, which draw in the audience and keeps them from growing bored. The sarcasm was used to bring out some of the downfalls that exist within the gun control laws today, or shall I say lack there of. Although it is addressed towards a more serious topic, it really helps open ones eyes to how bad the "laws" of gun control really are. This same idea is also brought up when we are shown the a clip of Chris Rock's standup comedy show. It was hilarious and kept my attention, but it also made me realize the faults of gun control in the United States.
Moore also provides insight into the debate about gun control by using graphic images and real video footage. Because I have never witnessed or been so closely affected by a shooting like at Columbine or Flint, these occurrences don't seem as real to me. I never think that something like this could happen at my school, but after viewing the video clips and images, it makes it seem much more real and possible.
What really pushed Moore's view to a great height was his use of statistics. It was crazy to see the deaths by guns each year in America as opposed to other counties, Canada especially. Moore practically sold me on the idea to move to Canada; it seems like a much safer place. This also relates to Michael Moore's big idea that America is plagued by fear. Maybe we all do live out of fear and that is why there is such a higher percentage of American's who are killed by gunfire each year.
Michael Moore definitely knows how to draw in an audience through an outstanding array of strategies. He keeps the film interesting yet maintains the big idea. If his documentary didn't get you thinking about our gun control in the United States, I don't know what will.
