Playing Columbine

Watch Playing Columbine

"A polarizing game, a deadly shooting, a widespread protest. For the first time, it all comes together."
  • NR
  • 2008
  • 1 hr 34 min
  • 7.1  (178)

Playing Columbine is a documentary directed by Danny Ledonne which explores the impact and influence of the popular violent video game, "Super Columbine Massacre RPG!" The game was created by Ledonne in 2005 and allows players to reenact the infamous school shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. The film takes a deep dive into the controversy surrounding the game and its creator. It offers an exploration of how the game is received by different people, ranging from the affected families of the victims to those who defend it as art and freedom of expression.

The documentary features interviews with key figures on both sides of the debate, including Ledonne himself, who provides insights into the game's inspiration and creation. Also featured in the film is Jack Thompson, a controversial video game critic and attorney who has been an outspoken critic of violent video games, arguing that they can spur real-life violence.

The film goes beyond the debate over "Super Columbine Massacre RPG!" to examine the larger issue of violence in video games and media, and how it impacts society. It makes a case for how violence can be used as a tool in games, cinema, and art to reflect the darkness and complexities of the human condition.

Playing Columbine is unique in that it combines interviews and archival footage with dramatic reenactments of the events surrounding the Columbine shooting. The dramatization of the events is executed well, blending seamlessly with the archival footage and providing a deeper layer of insight into the events.

The film explores the power of media and its role in shaping public perceptions of violence. It examines how the media coverage of the Columbine mass shooting had a profound impact on public perception and how the game and the controversy it spawned were just extensions of this. Playing Columbine highlights how the same news media that condemned the game also played a key role in giving it a platform.

Playing Columbine also provides insights into the role played by the gaming community in responding to the game. The gaming community was one of the few groups that embraced the game as art and called for further critical examination of the issues it raises.

Overall, Playing Columbine is a thought-provoking documentary that provides a valuable insight into the controversy surrounding the game and violent video games in general. It presents a nuanced exploration of the issue and encourages viewers to think critically about the role that media, games, and art play in shaping public perceptions of violence.

Playing Columbine is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.

Playing Columbine
Description
Where to Watch Playing Columbine
Playing Columbine is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Playing Columbine for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2008
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 34 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (178)