Documentary DVD Cover Analysis: Bowling for Columbine

I have chosen to analyse the Bowling for Columbine documentary cover.

Bowling for Columbine is an Oscar winning documentary by written and directed American activist (and filmmaker) Michael Moore. It also won an award at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival and a Cesar Award for Best Foreign Film. The documentary expresses Michael Moore’s concerns about acts of violence and firearms and its relation to the Columbine High School massacre. The film was given an ‘R’ rating (over 17) highlighting Moore’s views on who he thinks is responsible for violence in the United States of America. It had a budget of $4 million. The film grossed $58 million worldwide; nearly half of that income was from the United States of America ($21 million).

Immediately our attention is drawn to the bright yellow-orange colours, this would make the DVD stand out on the shelves. The bright colours could mean many things: the fiery colours could represent how controversial the documentary is since Colorado (the state where Columbine High School is located) is very pro-firearms. Columbine is has its own government which cannot be altered by United States government. The colours could also represent that society is burning down.

The yellow-orange layer is on top of a map. The only clear name the audience can read is Littleton. This may be a significant place in the whole scenario. Geographically, Littleton neighbours Columbine. Almost all of the colours used the cover contrast each other. This interprets as everyone having a different viewpoint on the Columbine High School massacre.

Bowling and Columbine are written in black to highlight the darkness of the events that took place at Columbine High School. The DVD cover also shows comments from various magazines. However, some words are bolder and larger than others. This may have been done deliberately by the writer to only show the most positive comments. Also, phrases like ‘very funny’ are smaller as the documentary was not intended to be humorous.

In the centre of the DVD cover stands Michael Moore, the activist behind the whole documentary. This shows that this documentary may be an reflexive type as it may show the views of Michael Moore. He also interviews people in the documentary to ask them their views on the event. In the documentary, he interviewed Marylin Manson and various Columbine victims. He is also holding a globe in his hands. However, the globe only shows the Americas. This may be Moore trying to express another viewpoint showing that the Americas as a whole are different when it comes to violence and gun crime. North America is glowing so that could mean an explosion of society (metaphorically).

The position of Michael Moore’s name may be significant (his name is above the title of the documentary) to show that he is on top of the whole situation and that he has got the reasons behind the Columbine High School massacre figured out.

The DVD cover doesn’t have a rating logo on it. This could mean that Michael Moore wants everyone to see his documentary. Michael Moore also has a serious expression on his face, although not immediately, you can tell that this is a documentary.