TOO Disturbing...the movie "Bowling for Columbine".

[montessori]

I wrote a post about the Michael Moore movie, "Bowling for Columbine".
Only 2 people responded, I understand it isn't a mainstream movie, not too many people have seen it.
Most people never even heard of it.

I have been depressed since I saw the movie, 3 weeks ago.
The economy isn't helping. Things are getting a little scary, for me personally and for so many people I know.

The elections didn't help!

But the movie set it off.
I feel frightened and saddened by the state of this country.
And I feel hopeless.
I don't want to feel this way!!

 

[yoopermom]

but would gently say that please do not forget that this is one person's viewpoint of a very volatile issue. Mr. Moore has shaped the movie, as any director would, into his vision of what he wants the public to see. Yes, there are bad and scary things in our world, but I truly believe that the media, in general, makes even little things seem like big things because that's what sells ratings. Perspective is a hard thing to keep, but look at the people around you, I would be that 99.9% are really decent people just trying to get by and do the best they can for them and their families. Peace.
Terri the Yoopermom

 

[montessori]

Thank you, Terri.

 

[yoopermom]

and I hope that life gets easier for you. Know that you're not alone...
Terri

 

[Ricola]

I haven't had a chance to see the film yet either, although I hope to soon.

Sometimes it's important to take a look at the "dark" side of our society, and Michael Moore is pretty good at showing those things to us.

Try to remember that there are a lot of positives out there as well, and that we each have a role to play in improving the world, and society that we live in, if we choose to.

Hope things look better soon.

 

[CBRorBust]

I get passes to screen movies all the time. I was at first excited to go see a Michael Moore film. But when I got in line and they were handing out the synopsis of the movie, I was like, NO WAY am I going to see this.

It just sounded depressing. I'm sorry that you've been upset since you've seen it. I'm pretty sure I would have had the same reaction. You should curl up on the couch and watch It's a Wonderful Life to get you in a better place/mood.

Good Luck!

 

[montessori]

Thanks Ricola,
I do believe the world can only get better one person at a time.
I posted this in another thread:

Shaker Rules for Doing Good

Do all the good you can,
In all the ways you can,
To all the people you can,
In every place you can,
At all the times you can,
As long as ever you can.

If only more people lived by that motto, instead of looking out for number one, themselves.

Thanks for answering.

 

[crazyme5kids]

I haven't seen the movie yet, will probably have to wait to see it on DVD. I am a big Michael Moore fan. My 16 year old daughter saw it and thought it was very well done. My dear friend (another huge fan) saw it, thought it very good,yet very disturbing. Hopefully some positive changes will begin to happen within our society as a result of this movie.

Try to focus on the good and positive in our society. Sometimes we take for granted even the simplest acts of kindness. Look for those everyday, the smile from a stranger, someone holding a door open for you, and you'll start to feel better.

 

[Rexfan]

I know what you mean. I had a lot of sleepless nights after reading "Stupid White Men" by Michael Moore.

I had been wanting to see that movie too, but opted to skip it for now. I wish I could say something to make you feel better. I just wanted to let you know that I understand.

Laura

 

[Disney845]

We were just mentioning this movie in my Crime and the Media class. Although the release of the movie appears to be limited, so that might be why no one responded to your earlier posting. I have not yet seen the movie, but have heard good things about it. Moore is know for his impacting documentaries.

I am sorry that you have let it affect you so much. Are you specifically susceptible to this type of storyline, or was it this movie in particular? I can understand feelings of overall depression towards the state of affairs of the country and world at large what with the economy, and the present "situations" overseas. So many people have been negatively affected by what has been happening. However if your feelings go beyond the normal despondence that the country at large may hold from time to time perhaps you should do something about it? You mentioned your unhappiness over the recent elections...not a republican huh? Maybe you could get more involved in politics in your area. Volunteer at a political office (one that obviously holds your views), maybe if you felt you were doing something towards creating a better society (hehe - as if the democrats could do that ) you would feel better about your personal troubles?

 

[binny]

(((hugs))))
Im sorry that that affected you that way. I haven't seen it and dont intend to I was really disturbed by the whole bit they did on TV about it.


May I borrow your quote there for my signature? I think that's very good!

 

[Grog]

Only 2 people responded, I understand it isn't a mainstream movie, not too many people have seen it.

I want to see it but haven't yet.

I have three mega/multiplex theaters within a 5-15 minute drive from here and it isn't showing at any of them. I finally did a search on movies.com and it is only showing at a single three screen "art" theater. There are only three or four showings a day and it's in a heavy traffic area. Not too convenient. Pretty bad for a city as big as Houston. Our closest theater has 30 screens and there is garbage showing on half of them. You would think they could free up one screen for a couple of weeks for this........

I guess I too will be waiting for DVD

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Unfortunately it doesn't seem like you can ever get an unbiased documentary about guns.

I would like to see the movie some day (more to see gross exaggerations though), but I'm not giving any of my money (in the form of a ticket sale) to Michael Moore to support his agenda.

 

[shortbun]

Hi Montessori!
I'm really interested to see the movie. I watched Oprah
and really liked what I saw there. I am a realist and I too
was doing relaxation breathing after the election. DH says
"we're moving to New Zealand!" lol-we're not, we're staying
here to vote again and again. I think Michael Moore is
depressed and should go into psychotherapy but I love his
stuff. I see it as the far left and I'm a bit to the right of it
but I still enjoy seeing someone take it all the way. I'm not
as amused by the far right stuff I see and hear but I can still
summon up a bit of amusement about it too. I've even tried to
make light here and folks have slammed me, not understanding
my tounge in cheek/humor (albeit a bit of the truth as I see it so maybe the slams are valid )
There are a lot of us here on this earth who have evolved to
see the big picture and are not just immersed in Nationalism
to the point of blinders and ear plugs. Be happy that you
are counted among us and practice breathing through your
nose and out of your mouth. Turn off your TV for a while-
quit reading the newspaper-watch Disney tapes-find a good
therapist(I have one) and walk on a sunny fall day! Have a dinner
with like minded folks and get smug! We have one planned here
on Saturday night! Come on over!

 

[montessori]

I appreciate all of your replies.
Just for the record... I have a good life!
I do not have a lot of problems.
I own my own pre-school and enrollment is down, a direct result of our current economic problems and unemployment. It's not a good thing but I'm not giving up. I know many people who are in worse situations.
I spend my days with children! It's hard to stay sad when you are surrounded by the innocence and joy of childhood.
I have the MOST wonderful husband and a lovely 21 year old daughter!
It's not so hot here in South Florida this week!

It's hard to explain the original intent of my post.
I feel afraid for this country, and not only from outside forces.
I feel afraid for our seniors and for our children. How can our elders afford the medical care they deserve?
What does the future hold for our children?
Will we ever learn to respect the earth and our environment?
I didn't need the movie to tell me that we live in a violent society. I didn't need the movie to tell me that our country resorts to violence to settle disputes.
I didn't need the movie to tell me that our education system stinks.
Or that politicians lie and cheat and look out for their own best interests before those of the people they serve.
The movie brought some emotions to the surface, but the emotions have been with me.
There's a whole lot of stuff to be depressed about and I am having a hard time with the "Proud to be an American" mentality.
Maybe I'll start a thread that asks "What is so great about the United States of America?"
Would I get burned alive for that one?

The answers could be uplifting and inspirational. hmmmm
Well, it's time for me to go back to school, before the kids wake up.
I do appreciate your answers and look forward to more discussion.


Binny....I think I'll put the motto in my own signature, thanks for the idea!

 

[SideshowBob]

It premiered at the "Toronto International Film Festival"... was on SSB's list to see, but conflicted with other films.

I was getting a lot of buzz there, and I would bet that it ends up getting an Academy Award nomination for "Best Documentory"!