Crash

It’s been a while since a social commentary did justice to the truth.

Is racism real? Do discrimination and hate crimes really occur here in America? How do minorities treat each other? Are white people the only biggots?Crash dealt with all of these topics and more using believable plots, dynamic real-world dialogue, and visceral moments that ring true to whichever facet of life you find yourself inhabiting.

I think I may be the best person to comment on this film due to the circumstances that lead to my seeing it in the first place. 1. I had no idea what to expect. I noticed that for quite some time this movie was on of the top picks at Blockbuster Online; so I decided to give it a look. Thankfully the write-ups were vague . . . I hate it when the entire plot of the movie (and occasionally the surprise endings) are alluded to in the the elementary scribblings on the rear of the DVD case. Suffice it to say, I had no idea what the movie was about, let alone whether it had an agenda or not.

2. I am EXTREMELY opinionated about the topic of racisim (check out my article on the subject). So here you have a guy with many view points on rasicim finding himself dead in the middle of a movie which has taken its gloves off and is swinging with years of pent-up aggression. A perfect combination.

 

How stupid have people become? Watch Crash. How twisted has the race-controversy grown? Watch Crash. Is there a cure? Well, on that question the movie was a little weak, but Sandra Bullock’s character came very close. It all comes down to a choice.

I can’t say enough good things about the movie. Just when you thought it would be cliche it was poignant. The moment you were certain you knew the director’s opinion on the subject, he asked a question that shattered your perception.

True, the movie was raw, gritty, occasionally obscene, and definitely not family-friendly, but then again, the issues being dealt with are all of the above and more.

I don’t want to philosophize the movie to pieces. Instead I will simply encourage you to watch it. Let it speak to you. Let the truth graffiti your impressions and rape your discrimination.