Review of Elephant (2003) by Reece L — 10 Apr 2015
Van Sant's vouyeristic gaze rightfully robs the events in the film of their drama, and to approach this kind of material in any other way would be inappropriate and exploitative. The violence on display is presented as it would be seen in real life, the characters normal teenagers dealing with real issues that drive some to act impulsively and irrationally.
This brand of filmmaking isn't for everyone, but if you give yourself over to the experience, you'll gain a new perspective on why these senseless acts of violence take place. "Elephant" could even make you a better person, and it doesn't resort to sensationalism to do so.
Yes, the shooting is absolutely brutal to sit through, but it's meant to be. Change doesn't happen without a jolt that forces us into action, and "Elephant" more than generates this effect while subtly probing the audience to question why it was so easy for these kids to get guns in the first place, why they felt the need to murder, and how we as a society can prevent these kinds of events from happening in the future.
This review of Elephant (2003) was written by Reece L on 10 Apr 2015.
Elephant has generally received positive reviews.
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