Under The Gun

Under The Gun is an intelligent, thoughtful, and decidedly heartbreaking look at the crisis of gun violence in America. Released in 2016, this documentary film is directed by Stephanie Soechtig and produced by Katie Couric, who also provides on-screen narration.

Renowned journalist Katie Couric leads us through an intense exploration of the hot-button issue of gun control, presenting a comprehensive and balanced analysis of the subject. The film centers on America's discourse on gun violence, exploring the cultural assumptions, political implications, and personal tragedies that are interwoven in this complex crisis.

Couric provides an in-depth examination, striking a balance between journalistic impartiality and poignant storytelling, designed to strike at the heart of the viewer. She endeavically humanizes the subject, creating a powerful emotional resonance that sticks with the audience well after watching.

Throughout the film, Under The Gun introduces us to real people affected by gun violence, including Pam Bosley and her family. Bosley's son Terrell was an innocent bystander who lost his life to a stray bullet in 2006, becoming one more heartbreaking statistic in the ongoing epidemic of gun crime. Pam Bosley’s voice serves as a beacon of resilience, highlighting the consequences that are all too often overlooked in the political push and pull of gun control debates.

You'll also see Senator Ted Cruz, amongst other politicians, presenting the viewpoint of policymakers and those fighting to safeguard the Second Amendment rights. Their perspectives add layers of political complexity, showing how proposed solutions vary wildly along partisan lines.

The film goes beyond the immediacy of the crime scenes, school shootings, and emergency rooms to focus on the long-lasting impact of gun violence on communities, families, and individuals. It unearths personal stories of loss, resilience, and activism that rise from the aftermath of these tragedies, creating a respectful and heartbreaking tribute to the victims and survivors of gun violence.

Throughout the film, statistics and data are woven seamlessly into the personal narrative, providing a compelling argument for gun safety measures without falling into the trap of oversimplifying the issue. Under The Gun explores the ways in which communities, lobbyists, and power structures perpetuate the cycle of gun violence and contribute to America's unique relationship with firearms.

The film investigates the role of organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and their influence on the gun debate. It questions whether the power such bodies hold may be problematic when seeking balanced and effective solutions to the issue of gun violence in America.

Under The Gun also taps into the larger societal issues that contribute to gun violence, such as poverty, education, and systemic racism. The film makes a concerted effort to address the underlying factors that make gun control such a fraught issue.

Despite the heaviness of the topic, the film does not leave viewers in despair. It showcases the courage and resilience of those who have experienced gun violence and continue to champion change. It brings to the forefront the activists who, in the face of policy gridlock and powerful gun advocacy groups, refuse to be silenced.

Soechtig's direction is unfaltering. Her storytelling prowess lends itself expertly to the documentary format, presenting the facts without sensationalism yet still managing to tap into the raw emotion of the subject. The film is masterfully constructed, leaving the audience with a clear sense of the devastating toll of gun violence and a hopeful glimpse of the change that can be brought about by ordinary people.

With its mix of personal stories, expert interviews, and hard-hitting statistics, Under The Gun provides an eye-opening look into the deeply rooted issue of gun violence in America, offering viewers a comprehensive overview of the issue that continues to divide the nation.

In conclusion, Under The Gun is a profoundly impactful documentary that is undeniably difficult to watch, but undeniably essential viewing. It is a sobering exploration of a controversial issue, stimulating thought and inciting discussion among any audience, regardless of their stance on gun control. It is an exceptionally well-crafted and compassionate film that brings a human narrative to one of the most politically charged issues in America.