First Person Shooter 2002
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Cogent/Benger Productions, Inc.
Director n/a
VHS, color and b&, 50 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Adolescence, Child Development, Communication, Computer Industry, Education, Parenting, Popular Culture, Psychology, Sociology, Technology, Media Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Ann Zeidman-Karpinski, University of OregonThis moving documentary shows how one parent tried to understand his son’s obsession with violent computer games. Raising issues explored in the Michael Moore documentary Bowling for Columbine, the parent/director of First Person Shooter interviews gamers (including his son), parents, folks in the computer industry, programmers, and academics about the appeal and impact of violent computer games. His attempt to interview such a wide range of experts makes for a provocative story. The director raises complex questions that are difficult to resolve neatly. The director’s thoughtful approach and his personal stake in coming to some sort of understanding make for a gripping story.
In addition to the thoughtful interviews there was wonderful footage of important events in a gamer’s world, like competitions and conventions. While not especially sophisticated, the simple shots and hand held video were effective at communicating the message of the documentary and gave it a real world flavor. Nicely pitched for a nation currently enthralled by reality TV shows.
The video contains useful material for both public and academic libraries. Although the audience is clearly adult, I think younger students will identify with the director’s son, and/or find it interesting to see how parents view what they are doing. This is extremely highly recommended and very useful for provoking discussions as few other venues raise these issues as compellingly.