There's something refreshing about the fact that "Elephant" doesn't claim to be based on a true story, as so many, considerably less-truthful movies seem to do these days.

Although, if there is a film that could — and probably should — boast that it was ripped from the headlines, it's this dramatic thriller. "Elephant" may not say so, but clearly it is (loosely) based on the Columbine High School shootings.

This is strong, chilling, observant stuff, which doesn't really try to blame one particular culprit or find a root cause for the horrifying actions of its student killers.

The peculiar story "structure" and pacing may test the patience of those expecting a more traditional cinematic story, but those who can understand what director Gus Van Sant is trying to do here won't be disappointed.

Van Sant uses the same approach he employed — though less effectively — in his previous film, 2000's patience-testing "Gerry." In "Elephant," he simply follows the students of a fictional Northwest high school during what appears to be a typical school day. As it begins, bleached-blond John (John Robinson) is in trouble for being late, while aspiring photographer Eli (Elias McConnell) has been more constructive, taking snapshots of some of the school's more colorful students.

Popular couple Nathan and Carrie (Nathan Tyson and Carrie Finklea) are making plans for a party later on that night, and a pair of frustrated outsiders, Alex (Alex Frost) and Eric (Eric Deulen), have far more sinister things on their minds.

Armed with guns and explosives they ordered online — and having practiced target shooting with computer games — the two have returned to school to exact "revenge," and they open fire, indiscriminately, on the school's students and faculty.

Admittedly, after awhile, Van Sant's "fly-on-the-wall" approach does become a bit tiresome (he really overdoes multiple perspectives on the same scene). However, he does know how to build tension, and there's plenty here.

He also makes good use of his cast, which is largely made up of talented newcomers. (The only really recognizable faces are character actors Matt Malloy and Timothy Bottoms, who co-star as the school's principal and as John's alcoholic father, respectively.)

"Elephant" is rated R for violence (shootings), gore, scattered use of strong sexual profanity and some innuendo, brief drug use (marijuana), brief female nudity and some brief sexual contact. Running time: 82 minutes.

---

E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com