Being the second film in director Gus Van Sant's "Death Trilogy" — the first is Gerry (2002) and the third Last Days (2005) in which, all three of which are loosely based on actual events. Elephant is by far, the most disturbing and most riveting of the three, because it deals with mass-murders. While, school violence has existed, since the born of the education system, it's the real-life events of the Columbine High School massacre of 1999 that put the issue on the map. Widely held to be a serious problem in recent decades in many countries, especially where weapons such as guns or knives are involved. Elephant is allowing an inside look at how something so unthinkable and surreal such as mass-murder, can logistic happen, using an illusory story in fictional high school in Portland, OR. The film stars mostly new or non-professional actors, including John Robinson, Alex Frost, and Eric Deulen, in very limited dialogue roles, and the script was "written" to its final form during shooting, with cast members improvising freely and collaborating in the direction of scenes, gives the movie, it's realistic, yet mysterious tone. While, this movie might not have much story. Still, with its brilliant narrative construction—where some scenes leading up to a high school massacre are seen at different times from three different perspectives—combined with cinematographer Harris Savides' camera roving the hallways in tracking shots, Elephant's subtle examination of Columbine provides no easy answers to teen angst, but certainly asks questions about what's is wrong with some of America's youth. Is bullying, a big cause of this teen angst? Yes, it is, but like my review of 2011's documentary, 'Bully', bullying is a complex issue. Not only does, it can detrimental to a child's well-being and development, but also, it does somewhat builds character that is need for the harsh adult life. It's need for children to interact with those having diverse points of view. In some ways, bullying is just part of life, you just have to deal with it, in a positive or negative matter. It's the same of other issues in which this film showcase, like gun rights, gay rights, drug use, media, juvenile delinquency, racism and social classes. There is no real true 'black and white', answer to this. After all, who is to blame for this tragedy!? The killers or society's harsh reality. I just glad, the movie isn't heavy-handed or preachy. However, Gus Van Sant's movie also feels a bit exploitation; capitalizing on a national tragedy, just to make a few bucks. It's somewhat offensive to every victim that die, in such of an event, before. Being the first high-profile movie to depict a high school shooting since Columbine, despite being released after similar film, 2003's Zero Day & 1999's Duck! The Carbine High Massacre. The film was so-controversial for its subject matter and possible influence on teenage copy-cats that some protests call for a ban or boycott of the film. Nevertheless, I can understand, their worries. It's clear, that the movie does have a subliminal message toward violence. After all, it did supposedly cause the Red Lake shootings of 2005, after the gunman viewed the movie, 17 days earlier, before committing to his crime. Indeed, watching movies based in part on the 1999 Columbine High School massacre could be view as unhealthy. However, the movie can also be viewed, as soul-searching, and inspiring to open and useful discussion. The movie does always show a positive message about learning tolerance and trying to help, your fellow man. Some of the students in the film, does this. Not everybody in the film, was cookie cutter, evil or good. It's a lot more complex than that. It's like the parable of the blind men and elephant in Anekantavada. It's hard to describe. However, I do have to say, the movie seem to be, very influence, by the 1989 British short film by director Alan Clarke of the same name. Not only does, Gus Van Sant's film borrowed Clarke's title, but also closely mirrors his minimalist style in which the movie's disconnected and ethereal quality flows. Overall: This powerful and provocative movie might not be for everybody. It's really is hard to watch, but a very well-made film. Check it out, on your own risk.