I just want to join in on the discussion of Elephant:
Melvil, as much as I respect your opinion of Elephant, I disagree with you. I believe that Van sant's eye is nothing btu objective, that he is creating as believable a world as he can, and I think he utterly suceeds. High school does have these stereotypes, but not the ones shown in popular disney movies. These are the stereotypes that I surround myself with everyday. and the shooters, yes there are scenes of them playing a video game. But in the end, that's not the point. Van sant is instead challenging us with the knowledge that these kids are just normal, like when one of the shooters is talking to the principal. they aren't monsters. they are just teenagers.