No Crash and Burn Here

Crash, brought to life by director Paul Haggis, is an enlightening view of stereotypes and prejudice in today’s world. For those who think that discrimination is gone it will rattle their cage. For those who know see discrimination around them it will show a more in depth view of the inner workings of relationships.

A set of people who appear to have no common ground interact in modern day L.A. It is through “crashing” into each other that they see inside of themselves to the person within. The main focus of the film is exposing characters back-story. To see the why behind their actions that it may be better understood why they make certain choices. After viewing the film I began to question, what was that man’s back-story who was working at the counter who I snapped at? The movie strives to remove racial barriers and does a good job of it. It also helps to show the barriers that still hold people of color back in the world. The interaction of the characters, which are a rainbow of races, shows the true nature of interracial relationships. This includes policeman to citizens, politicians to policeman, upper-class to maids, and many other variations. While these day to day interactions may not seem significant they help to define the world which is L.A.

The film also utilizes dramatic circumstances to enhance the meaning of the film. At times it is so gripping that I felt myself clutching the seat, hoping for the scene to resolve and pass. And, the title does not disappoint, there are literal crashes throughout the film that help add to the dramatic impact.

The only drawback to the film is that snap stereotypes are used over and over. While it may be necessary because of how many characters are presented, it still diminishes the film at times. It seems like you are being hit in the head with stereotypical character after character. While they unfolded to a deeper person eventually at times, it put a damper on trying to minimize racial stereotypes.

Overall the movie was a true gem. It opened my eyes to the fact that while we may all be players on a stage, there is a backstage where people choose their mask. I highly recommend it to every moviegoer.