Crash

This week’s movie was a request from one of our readers. I hadn’t seen Crash since it came out in 2005. I remembered the general premise and that I really loved the movie, but watching it a second time only gave me a deeper appreciation for the movie.

In Crash there is a large cast of characters played by some of a my favorite actors (Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Terrance Howard, Christopher Bridges, William Fichtner and many, many more) who all cross paths with each other over the course of several days in Los Angeles.

These characters are compromised of various socio-economic and racial groups and as they encounter other groups the dialog is laced with some of the most cringe-worthy stereotypes. It is through these stereotypes that we explore the different characters. Most shockingly is the ease with which the characters voice the stereotypes. The willingness to spew such hatred in the face of another feels a bit false to me, but it is necessary to move the story forward.

Additionally, some of the encounters seem a bit contrived but it really doesn’t take anything away from the message of the movie; and it’s the message I love. There are no good guys in Crash. There are no bad guys. Each character is a combination of good and bad choices. This allows us to see the foolishness of stereotyping any group of people. Life would certainly be easier and cleaner if we all wore our true selves in public, but for every “bad” person you see, you should realize there is good within; every “good” person is one regretful choice away from being “bad.”

I give Crash five stars. It is truly deserving of the Best Picture Oscar it was awarded in 2006. The acting is natural and moving, the writing is superb and it is visually stunning. Even if you have watched it before, I recommend you watching Crash. You will certainly learn something from the experience.

Michelle D. Kieffaber