Crash is a 2005 American crime - drama film directed and co-written by Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco. The film features an ensemble cast, including Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Thandiwe Newton, Michael Peña, Larenz Tate, and Ryan Phillippe. The film was inspired by a real-life incident and explores the interweaving stories of loss and redemption in Los Angeles.
The plot revolves around several connected stories about class, family, and gender in Los Angeles, focusing on the dangers of bigotry and xenophobia in the lives of interconnected Angelenos. The film premiered at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2004, and was released in theaters on May 6, 2005, by Lions Gate Films. It received generally positive reviews from critics.
plot
Crash (2005) is a crime drama film that explores the interlocking stories of various characters in Los Angeles, focusing on themes of race, class, and gender. The plot revolves around several connected stories, including:
- Detective Graham Waters: A black man who speaks about the nature of Los Angeles and the need for people to crash into each other.
- Jean Cabot: A grieving woman whose husband is involved in a car accident. She becomes involved in a dispute with a locksmith, Ria, who is of Mexican descent.
- Officer Ryan: A white police officer who saves a woman, Christine, from a burning car. She is unhappy that it's the man who sexually assaulted her who's saving her life.
- Cameron: A young boy who taunts police and almost gets shot, forcing Officer Murphy to intervene.
- Anthony and Peter: Two criminals who carjack the possibly not-racist but unstable District Attorney of Los Angeles and his wife. They later get into an accident with a white van, which leads to further chaos.
- Ria and Flanagan: Two police detectives who are also lovers, one of whom is involved in a car accident with a white van.
- Persian Store Owner: A store owner who sells a gun to an angry Persian man and his not-angry, not-racist daughter.
Trailer
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Cast
- Karina Arroyave as Elizabeth
- Dato Bakhtadze as Lucien
- Sandra Bullock as Jean Cabot
- Don Cheadle as Detective Graham Waters
- Art Chudabala as Ken Ho
- Sean Cory Cooper as Motorcycle Cop
- Tony Danza as Fred
- Keith David as Lt. Dixon
- Loretta Devine as Shaniqua Johnson
- Matt Dillon as Officer John Ryan
- Jennifer Esposito as Ria
- William Fichtner as Flanagan
- Brendan Fraser as Rick Cabot
- Terrence Howard as Cameron Thayer
- Chris "Ludacris" Bridges as Anthony
- Thandie Newton as Christine Thayer
- Michael Peña as Daniel
- Ryan Phillippe as Officer Tom Hansen
- Larenz Tate as Peter Waters
Director: Paul Haggis
Writer: Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco
Box Office Gross: $98 million worldwide
Distributor: The Lions Gate Films
Release Date: May 6, 2005
Themes & Reception
Crash explores themes of racism, prejudice, chance, coincidence, and tragedy. The film examines the complexities of race relations and urban life in Los Angeles, highlighting the dangers of bigotry and xenophobia in the lives of interconnected Angelenos.
Crash received generally positive reviews from critics, with some praising its raw and unsettling portrayal of modern angst and urban disconnect. However, some critics argue that the film is shallow and lacks depth in its exploration of complex issues.
Challenges faced
The film faced several challenges during production, including a limited budget and a tight shooting schedule. Additionally, the film's controversial subject matter and frank portrayal of race relations in America made it a difficult sell to studios.
Settings
Crash is set in Los Angeles, California, and features several iconic locations, including the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Los Angeles International Airport.
Visual styles and techniques
The film features a gritty and realistic visual style, with handheld camera work and natural lighting. The use of interlocking stories and nonlinear narrative techniques adds to the film's complexity and depth.
Trivia and fun facts
- Crash was inspired by a real-life incident that happened to director Paul Haggis.
- The film was shot in just 36 days.
- The film's ensemble cast includes several Oscar winners and nominees, including Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, and Terrence Howard.
- The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
- The film's title refers to the metaphorical "crashes" between characters and their differing perspectives on race and identity
