Review of Elephant (2003) by Olivia R — 01 Jul 2010
Why do high-school shooters kill? Who's to blame? What could prevent it?
A few of the questions you won't find answered in Gus Van Sant's morally vacuous drama. The movie abstains from any and all debates about America's most frightening piece of dirty laundry.
Instead we simply watch in uncomfortable silence as the inevitable horror ensues. Adults are universally absent without leave, but the real judgment is reserved for a higher authority, as Van Sant's camera leaves both victims and murderers mid-shooting to linger on a silent and empty sky.
It is a remarkable and worthwhile film. Beautifully acted by the amateur cast and filmed in a succession of long single shots, that show us an uncaring and unhelpful high school, where attention to the box-checking beaurocracy of administering children is ever present and any semblance of nurturing or support is entirely and unashamedly absent.
Moving, frightening and absorbing from start to finish.
This review of Elephant (2003) was written by Olivia R on 01 Jul 2010.
Elephant has generally received positive reviews.
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