Watch American Gun
- R
- 2002
- 1 hr 29 min
-
6.1 (1,287)
American Gun is a gripping drama that explores the impact that guns have on American society. Directed by Alan Jacobs, the movie weaves together four separate stories, each of which follows a different character as they experience the consequences of gun violence. One of the main characters is Carter (played by James Coburn), an elderly gun maker who is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his creations have been used to kill people. After his granddaughter is shot in a school shooting, Carter embarks on a journey to try and understand how his guns ended up in the hands of someone who would use them in such a terrible way.
Another storyline follows Janet (played by Virginia Madsen), a single mother who is devastated when her teenage son is shot dead in a convenience store robbery. As she tries to come to terms with her grief, Janet begins to investigate how her son was able to get hold of a gun in the first place.
Meanwhile, Richard (played by Ryan Locke) is a troubled teenager who is consumed by rage and anger. After he is kicked out of school, Richard turns to a life of crime and ends up involved in a gang-related shooting.
The final storyline involves Mary Ann (played by Barbara Bain), an elderly woman who is held up at gunpoint in her own home. Determined to protect herself, Mary Ann buys a gun and becomes a vocal advocate for the Second Amendment.
Throughout the movie, the central theme of gun violence is explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. The filmmakers do not shy away from the difficult and complex issues surrounding guns, instead exploring questions around the role that guns play in American society, the effectiveness of gun control measures, and the responsibility of gun manufacturers for the actions of those who use their products.
The performances in American Gun are uniformly excellent, with James Coburn delivering a particularly moving portrayal of a man who is forced to confront the darker side of his life's work. Virginia Madsen is also particularly impressive, bringing a raw emotionality to her role as a mother who has lost her son.
Overall, American Gun is a powerful and insightful film that raises important questions about the role that guns play in American society. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the ongoing conversation around gun violence and its impact.
American Gun is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.