The tragic Columbine High School massacre, which took place on April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado, has been a subject of significant interest and discussion in the United States and around the world. The event, in which two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, opened fire on their classmates and teachers, resulting in 13 deaths before they turned the guns on themselves, has sparked a wide range of debates on topics such as gun control, school safety, and the influence of media on violence. Due to its impact, it has also been depicted and examined in various films. These productions explore the events leading up to, during, and following the massacre, providing a multifaceted view of the tragedy and its aftermath. Here are some films that delve into the subject of Columbine:
“Bowling for Columbine”, 2002
Director: Michael Moore
Directed by Michael Moore, this documentary film explores the broader issues of gun violence in America, with the Columbine massacre serving as a central focus. Moore examines the causes of gun violence and questions the American obsession with weapons, all while providing a poignant look at the events and aftermath of Columbine.
Starring: Michael Moore, Salvador Allende, Mike Bradley, Arthur A. Busch, Michael Caldwell, Richard Castaldo, Dick Clark, Steve Davis, Ngo Dinh Diem, Mike Epstein;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: documentary, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Elephant”, 2003
Director: Gus Van Sant
Directed by Gus Van Sant, this drama is a fictionalized account inspired by the Columbine shooting. It presents a day in the life of a typical American high school, leading up to an act of violence perpetrated by two of its students. The film is known for its minimalist style and unflinching examination of the senselessness of school violence.
Starring: Alex Frost, Eric Deulen, John Robinson, Elias McConnell, Jordan Taylor, Carrie Finn, Nicole George, Brittany Mountain, Alicia Miles, Kristen Hicks;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Zero Day”, 2002
Director: Ben Coccio
This film, directed by Ben Coccio, is a found footage-style drama that closely mirrors the Columbine massacre. It follows two high school students who plan and execute a school shooting. The film delves into the mindset of the shooters and the planning that went into their attack, based heavily on the real-life events at Columbine.
Starring: Cal Robertson, Andre Keuck, Serataren Adragna, Melissa Banks, Josh Bednarsky, Rachel Benichak, Chelsea Cipolla, Christopher Coccio, Carmine DiBenedetto, Joe Falco;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 92 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Zero Day” on the website imdb.com
“April Showers”, 2009
Director: Andrew Robinson
Inspired by the Columbine tragedy, this film was written and directed by Andrew Robinson, a Columbine survivor. It focuses on the aftermath of a school shooting from the perspective of the survivors, exploring themes of grief, healing, and moving forward after such a traumatic event.
Starring: Kelly Blatz, Daryl Sabara, Janel Parrish, Ellen Woglom, Illeana Douglas, Tom Arnold, Sean Durrie, Rachel Lien, Bryan McClure, Brenda O'Brien;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “April Showers” on the website imdb.com
“I'm Not Ashamed”, 2016
Director: Brian Baugh
This film is based on the journals of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine massacre. Directed by Brian Baugh, it presents Rachel's story and her experiences at Columbine High School leading up to the shooting, focusing on her personal faith and the impact of her life and death.
Starring: Masey McLain, Ben Davies, Cameron McKendry, Terri Minton, Victoria Staley, Taylor Kalupa, Emma Elle Roberts, Sadie Robertson, David Errigo Jr., Cory Chapman;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “I'm Not Ashamed” on the website imdb.com
These films offer different perspectives on the Columbine tragedy, from documentary to fictional representations, each attempting to grapple with the causes, effects, and lessons to be learned from such an event.
In retrospect, films about Columbine delve deeply into one of the greatest tragedies in American history, aiming to understand, enlighten, and in some cases, heal. Through a lens of empathy and scrutiny, these films navigate the precarious balance between uncovering the motives behind such a harrowing event and honoring the memories of those lost. They serve as poignant reminders of the dark undercurrents within society, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable realities about violence, alienation, and the human psyche. By tracing the impact of Columbine over various narratives, from documentary insights to dramatic interpretations, these films contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue about violence in schools, mental health, and gun control, ensuring that the lessons from Columbine are neither forgotten nor repeated. The collective exploration within these cinematic endeavors not only memorializes a day that altered the course of American society but also underscores the importance of empathy, awareness, and action in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
