91% is a tale of two tragedies. The original tragedy lies with the gun-related sons, daughters, and others who find themselves on the wrong end of the gun of a deranged shooter. The second tragedy lies in the twisted nature of modern American politics, where special interests and constant inaction rule the day.
The film’s opening moments humanize an otherwise provocative debate. We hear from a mother who witnessed her daughter being murdered by a mass gunman. In the once picturesque setting of Newton, Connecticut, haunted survivors and bereaved parents have recounted the atrocities they suffered during the infamous Sandy Hook massacre.
Later in the film, these survivors join a group of gun violence prevention advocates, researchers, and NRA members to discuss the challenges and dangers of passing meaningful gun control legislation. In the midst of this debate, the film exposes the vulnerability of gun shows, the escalating power of the gun lobby, and America’s pervasive gun culture.
Unsurprisingly, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is a major talking point in the film. We’re told the group was once a partner in drafting common-sense gun laws. But the political climate has changed, and so has their funding sources. How else to explain their refusal to listen to the wishes of their own members? According to a 2012 poll, 74 percent of NRA members support universal background checks. Yet the group insists these controls will only lead to more government controls and taxes.
Few issues generate as much passion and outrage as the gun debate. There’s no doubting which side of the debate this film falls on. Regardless, 91% benefited from his rational and pragmatic tone and his ambition to explore the many facets of this complex subject. By showcasing insights from a variety of interviewees—from the staunchest supporters of reform to the most passionate gun owners—it provides a comprehensive and informed introduction to one of America’s most contentious issues.
Directed by: John Richie
