'' Elephant '' is a 2003 American drama film written , directed , and edited by Gus Van Sant . It takes place in the fictional Watt High School , in the suburbs of Portland , Oregon , and chronicles the events surrounding a school shooting , based in part on the 1999 Columbine High School massacre . The film begins a short time before the shooting occurs , following the lives of several characters both in and out of school , who are unaware of what is about to unfold . The film stars mostly new or non-professional actors , including John Robinson , Alex Frost , and Eric Deulen
Columbine High School massacre
Columbine High School massacre
Elephant (2003 film)