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Crash (2004) Starring: Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle by Richard Leigh 
Not to be confused with the David Cronenberg film of the same name, Paul Haggis 2004 film 'Crash' focuses heavily on the subject of racism. Several stories are here intertwined and ultimately all of them link together. Racist people are shown from all walks of life, but there are also equal amounts of people here that are not racist in any way. It's a hard hitting crime drama, a film that I personally am a huge fan of. Given that the film won 3 Oscars, it would seem that I was not the only one impressed by Paul Haggis hit film 'Crash'.
What's so brilliant about this film I feel is the intensity of it all. Paul Haggis does not hold back in the slightest in his portrayal of peoples racist attitudes and beliefs. There is some serious gritty realism on display here, everyone here is incredibly believable in their part and no one do you ever feel is not putting their all in. Everyone here truly puts their heart and soul into their performances, there is a great passion for the film that is being created and this really comes across well with the incredible displays of acting. The plot line here is constantly switching, we have a racist cop, a police detective and his criminal younger brother, two car thieves that always are discussing the actions of society and peoples opinions of race, a successful Hollywood director and many, many more. Such a vast array of people are focused on here and all the individual storylines ultimately intertwine and many of our different protagonists meet as the film progresses. Many paths cross, and racism is always very much a central focus of this film and its excellent progression. There is a terrifically raw nature with which this film develops. Although the production values are fairly high, always there is an urban energy that runs through the very centre of this film. This was Paul Haggis first film as director and you can really tell how hugely enthusiastic he was about making it. Everything comes to life fantastically well on film here, each and every element of the film verges upon perfection and never does 'Crash' ever disappoint. Before directing this film Paul Haggis had before written the screenplay for the hit film 'Million Dollar Baby', he helped write this film also and again his brilliance shines through in this department. Paul Haggis has proven himself to be an excellent all rounder, it would seem that there is actually very little that this man cannot do. The interesting nature of this film lies within the way in which the racism is here portrayed. The racist nature of those involved in the film is very much in your face, the insults are projected at people directly and rather than being discrete attacks are very much up close and personal. It may be argued by some that the racism is not at all realistic, that people do not genuinely racially attack people in this way, but the fact of the matter is that racism does occur in society and often in such a brutally disgusting way as this. Racism is wrong, racial abuse does occur though and Paul Haggis film here deals with the issue not by skirting around the subject, but by approaching the issue very much in a head on manner. The film works with stereotypes, some people are designed to follow them and others work very much against them. Both forms of character are interesting to watch and the way they are portrayed on-screen here is always of an excellent calibre. 'Crash' has grossed a total of over $98 million, a fantastic achievement for a film that cost only $6.5 million to make. The film was a huge success, a complex and compelling tale that ultimately pans out perfectly on-screen. Although there is a lot going on here and many people are involved in the films progression, never does the film ever come across as confusing and at all times 'Crash' has you completely hooked. Paul Haggis 'Crash' obviously requires of you to watch closely given the multiple perspectives that you must take on board, there are some films though that even if you do this you still won't 'get' it; this is certainly not one of them. The ideas and questions that the film ponders on the subject of racism are pretty self explanatory, the film looks at the subject from the point of view of those that are and those that are not racist and delves into each of the characters brilliantly. There are some that you feel you know well, whilst others that you do not really understand very well at all. Some people are very much open, others however choose to close themselves off and in this sense the film is very true to reality. Some films have little or no point in existing, 'Crash' however has a great purpose and that is of being an extremely relevant and interesting look at society and peoples behaviours and beliefs towards the issue of race. It's an interesting film I feel, it has its flaws; sure, but it most certainly provides for compelling viewing on the whole. Not everyone will be enthralled about the number of characters that are brought in here and there will definitely be plenty out there that shan't be too happy about the films 113 minute run time. I'm not often a fan of films of this length, 90 minutes is plenty long enough for me; any longer than this and my mind generally begins to wander. 'Crash' does enough to maintain my attention throughout though and I must say that I personally find Paul Haggis directorial début to be a greatly enjoyable and truly worthwhile viewing experience. It's not my favourite film in the world, but most definitely one that I consider to be greatly enjoyable.  Rating: 4 out of 5 Details about the film: |
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