Question by Zeezle: Who is the target audience of the film Bowling for Columbine?
I’m writing a report on the documentary film Bowling for Columbine. We have to “explore to what extent the production techniques in the film appeal to the intended target audience.”
I’m not sure who the target audience is = I was thinking maybe it’s mainly just any Americans? To raise awareness of the issues?
I’m not completely sure.
Best answer:
Answer by The First Dragon
I’d say it was targeted at Americans who are concerned about violence but don’t have any clear ideas of what causes it or what to do about it.
Beyond that, I would say that it targets young adults more than those more mature. Of course this doesn’t mean more mature viewers don’t watch it or like it. But it seems to me that the techniques are the type of thing to grab the attention of somebody who has a short attention span and limited life experience. It’s entertaining more than it is enlightening or instructive. Of course it does bring out some interesting people and facts.
Something that struck me deeply was the ambush interview with Charlton Heston, who was suffering the early effects of Alzheimer’s disease at the time. Moore pretended to be a “fan” and then asked Heston a number of questions he could not answer due to his mental condition. It wasn’t fair, but to Moore it was a dramatic way of making some kind of point; but I fail to see what it was. After all, you can’t expect a man suffering from dementia to explain what he did when he was in full possession of his faculties. In fact, Moore’s portrayal was demeaning. Whether or not I agree with Heston’s positions, I don’t like to see an ailing person exploited.
Of course the young folks who don’t remember Heston when he was well, or who have no experience yet with ailing elderly relatives, won’t see this. Whatever high ground Moore may think he has due to his opposition to violence, is lessened by his disrespect for human beings.
As you see, I regard this film as interesting but morally unimpressive….
What do you think? Answer below!