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This film is a meandering ode on school shootings. Unlike the TV's movie BANG, BANG, YOU'RE DEAD, this film doesn't try to make a grander message about why school shootings happen. It just shows this particular event unfolding. The film watches as the characters go through their day — one that many won't survive.
John (John Robinson) is the son of an alcoholic and has had many visits to the principal's office. Elias (Elias McConnell) is a photography student. Nathan (Nathan Tyson) is the big man on campus and a lifeguard. His girlfriend is Carrie (Carrie Finklea), who may or may not be pregnant. Jordan (Jordan Taylor), Nicole (Nicole George) and Brittany (Brittany Mountain) are a gaggle of popular girls who have an unusual group ritual they do. Michelle (Kristen Hicks) is a nerdy girl, who doesn't like to wear shorts in gym class. Benny (Bennie Dixon) is an African-American athlete who helps John's girlfriend Acadia (Alicia Miles) escape from the school. Alex (Alex Frost) and Eric (Eric Deulen) are the killers. While watching them prepare for their murderous actions, we get glimpses of some of their motivations for doing what they do, but nothing is definitive.
Director Gus Van Sant has moved on from more traditional material like GOOD WILL HUNTING to make more experimental films. Along with GERRY, this film starts a new period in Van Sant's work where he makes observant films that are more akin to European art films than Hollywood melodramas. What the film really does is drain the story from pumped up action and drama, and builds tension naturally through innovative editing. We see how the stories of various characters intersect and sense the danger that awaits them. The killings are random and emotionless, selling the senselessness of the entire event. The film's pacing is deliberate and works well to form a gathering sense of dread. This is the first film that uses a gathering storm cloud as a foreboding symbol that actually created a feeling of uneasiness in me.
The film is extremely subtle and metaphoric. I look forward to seeing it again to discover the nuances that are buried in the subtext. The film doesn't try to supply cathartic answers to these kinds of tragedies. It only presents the tragedy, so that we can contemplate the answers within ourselves and discuss them with the people around us. If there is ever going to be a solution, it will take a collective effort and this is a great film to start that debate.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
