Review:
Film
"Elephant" (USA 2003)
Review
by John Frame jvframe@bigpond.net.au for Queer Radio on 4ZZZ fm102.1
Review date:
“Elephant” (
Written and
directed by Gus Van Sant
Summary: stark reality
It seems to me that Elephant is a perfect
title - relating to the Indian fable of blind men who argue about the shape
of the creature based purely on each person's experience of just one facet.
The audience is given several perspectives on life at and around a school at
which a Columbine-style killing spree is about to take place. We soon find that
even with plenty of extra detail as to the "who, how and where", we
still have no clear definition of "why" the killings happen. And we
need to try to understand why, or this history will continually be repeated.
I like Gus Van Sant's development of the individual
characters as they go about their school day. Most have their own different
concerns which seem daunting to them at the time. I like the way their lives
physically intersect - sometimes unconsciously. There's also the big true
element in life of "shit happening" - being
in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Elephant is captivating and intriguing. Beautiful to watch and undeniably
emotive - but only because you really get the humanity of what's happening. I
rarely cry in theatres, but both eyes leaked as it became obvious that these
killings were fait accompli.
It seems such an avoidable waste. (10/10)