Evaluating “Bowling for Columbine”
Intervention
- Does Moore mostly act in observational or proactive mode?
- Why does he do this? To what effect?
Representation
- How careful is Moore in avoiding stereotypes?
- Is he careful or deliberate in his use of visual conventions and imagery?
- In whose interests is he operating? How do we know?
Inflection
- How does Moore use: a) Editing, b) Filmic style, to create meaning?
Narrative
- Does the narrative simplify a complex issue? How? Why?
- Does it try to create a “seamless cloak” from disparate elements? Why?
- Does it create a false sense of closure? How is this achieved? To what effect?
Ideology
- Is there an explicit argument?
- What “common sense” assumptions do the documentary make? Is this format successful? Why?
Positioning
- How does Moore position the viewer in relation to the subject? What is the authorial position / point of view?
