Movie Review

Crash

You shouldn't know too much about this film before seeing it. This is the type of film that rewards an open mind and demands that viewers let go of their expectations. I have to admit that when I saw the trailer for Crash, I didn't think that it looked very good, and I was wrong. This is a fantastic film that hooked me every step of the way, and it's the first big surprise of the year.

Crash is an ensemble piece in which the stories of different characters intersect and intertwine to create a tapestry of human drama. It could be compared to Magnolia or various Robert Altman films (Short Cuts, Gosford Park, etc.). An ethnically varied cast portrays Los Angelinos from all different walks of society. As they each play out their existence, they bump up against the complex and sometimes cruel realities of everyday life. And all of these realities stem from the interactions between these various people. There is no main story thread except the notion one gets that it?s all connected because of the proximity of each of the characters. The entire movie is the story, rather than most movies in which the story is the engine that drives the proceedings.

Each of the sub-stories involves racism, which is the biggest theme that this film has on its mind. Paul Haggis, who wrote and directed the film, did not bow down to the Gods of political correctness. There is a lot of intolerance and many racial epithets spewed forth throughout the film, and the hatred cuts deep. We are so used to off-the-cuff racial prejudice in our society that we often don?t realize just how damaging such attitudes can really be.

This movie takes what people really think and say privately and lays it bare-nakedly. It does not pull any punches, but it certainly makes you laugh, cringe, and think. Many moviegoers may be offended, and I can understand if they are, but they shouldn't write the whole movie off just because the truth hurts. There is so much truth and honesty on the race issues that I think this film should be required viewing for every high school student in the country. Teachers, show this film to your kids if you want to make a lasting impression.

The racism angle is a stepping stone into larger spheres of dramatic intrigue. Crash is a very emotional film that confronts uncomfortable subject matters in a forthright and powerful way. The title is an allusion to events from the movie, including one central (and amazing) scene that involves a car crash. But also, given that the film is set in Los Angeles, it evokes the real and terrible truth that many people die in crashes on the roads every year. And don?t even get started on September 11 (which is also indirectly mentioned). Subtle connections like these are what Crash is all about; it makes the film a real gem.

Some may consider this movie a downer, and in many ways it is. But a down experience is not what I got. I'm not a big fan of intensely depressing films, even though some are done very well (Requiem for a Dream); I believe that first and foremost a movie should be joyous and entertaining to watch. That doesn't mean that the subject matter or tone can?t be serious, but it should never just be a brutal assault on the viewer?s sensibilities.

Crash is both very serious and very entertaining; it walks the tightrope exceptionally. A big reason that it is so engaging is because every few minutes a new and unexpected twist is thrown into the story. Such a thing sounds gimmicky but is pulled off beautifully. The story and its structure are so well designed that it is like a classical sculpture of sheer elegance. The film also has much more of an appeal to conscientious filmgoers rather than the mass public. Stubborn types might have their minds opened a little bit, and those with already open minds are likely going to be blown away.

Scott's Grade: A-

A	15.1%
B	59.2%
C	24.5%
D	1.2%
F	0.0%