No Control

One of the most polarizing political issues currently dividing American society is the issue of gun ownership. Indeed, there appears to be little middle ground: those seeking to increase the level of federal regulatory control over gun sales are immune to the arguments of those who view gun ownership as a basic constitutional freedom, and vice versa. Jessica Solce's documentary breaks no new ground on the subject and is unlikely to change minds, but it does offers an invigorating consideration of both sides. A great deal of focus is on two men who use creative processes to highlight their viewpoints: artist Greg Bokor, who makes a huge pencil drawing of an AR-15 rifle for a gallery exhibition that includes a set of erasers for visitors to effectively wipe out the overpowering image of the weapon, and gun rights advocate Cody R. Wilson, who constructs guns using 3D printing and has shared this process via the Internet. The filmmaker also interviews a pair of Colorado state senators who lost their jobs in recall elections after their efforts to enact tougher gun control laws (and talks to those who helped coordinate the campaigns to vote these officials out of office). Offering a solid overview of a timely subject, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)