Elephant

Synopsis

Elephant is a 2003 drama film directed by Gus Van Sant. The movie follows a group of high school students as they navigate a seemingly normal school day that turns into a harrowing tragedy. With a calm and observational style, the film explores the complexities of teenage life, highlighting the mundane and the profound moments that build up to a shocking climax. Through its minimalistic approach and non-linear narrative, Elephant provides a raw and thought-provoking depiction of the tragic events that unfold within a high school setting. The film delves into themes of isolation, teenage angst, societal pressures, and the unpredictable nature of violence.

Cast

• 

  Alex Frost

  Alex

• 

  Eric Deulen

  Eric

• 

  John Robinson

  John McFarland

• 

  Elias McConnell

  Elias

• Jordan Taylor

  Jordan

• 

  Carrie Finklea

  Carrie

Reviews

Elephant has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its unique storytelling style and powerful performances, while others found it lacking in depth. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a rating of 74%, with critics praising its cinematography and direction. Metacritic awarded Elephant a score of 70/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. IMDb rated the film 7.1/10 based on user reviews. The Atlantic commended the film's unflinching portrayal of a school shooting, calling it a 'haunting and timely' work of art. However, The New York Times criticized the movie for its lack of character development and emotional depth, stating that it felt detached and superficial.