This thesis aims to explore how Michael Moore has managed to make alterations in the image of the academic documentary film genre with his movie, Bowling for Columbine. For an accurate analysis, overviews of the genres of the documentary film and investigative journalism are provided. Bowling for Columbine's intentionally deceptive feature and manipulative devices attract a great deal of criticism that are also analized. Furthermore, the thesis deals with the filmmaker's, Michael Moore's points of views regarding the main issues of the film, violence and guns in the USA. Finally, the essay examines the extent of violence in America on the basis of US history and the tragedies - the Columbine High School massacre, the Buell Elementary School shooting and 9/11 - which are presented in the film.