Paul Haggis, Matt Dillon, and Loretta Divine with Oscars for Original Screenplay and Best Picture
Director: Paul Haggis
Screenwriter(s): Paul Haggis
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Ryan Phillippe, Larenz Tate, Michael Pena
Plot: Several people in the Los Angeles area connected through various encounters are faced with troubling circumstances, most of which are driven by racial tension.
Mini Review: ‘Crash’ attempts to bring attention to the racial prejudices and to criticize those that heed them. In a few characters’ cases (Officer John Ryan/Christine, Officer John Ryan/Officer Tom Hansen, and Daniel) this is wonderfully executed in either using their prejudices against them or by going against them altogether. However, the tone in many of these stories seem to be a little over the top focusing more on trying to get a point across with these citizens that act more like caricatures rather than relay this with authentic characters. Its attempts, however, at deconstructing political correctness and racism, doesn’t take away from the performances, especially in Matt Dillon, whose character is the most evolved by the end of the film based on his experiences. It’s an ambitious film that heartily tries to bring light to a sensitive subject matter. Jim’s Rating: 7.8/10
Random Trivia: Annie Proulx, author of ‘Brokeback Mountain’, wrote a strong polemic against this one in the British newspaper “The Guardian”, venting her disgust and disappointment that her film was beaten by Paul Haggis’ at the Oscars, one of the Academy’s more controversial decisions in years.
Let’s lighten the tone a bit, shall we?
Interview with Don Cheadle and Jennifer Esposito
Acting
A heartwarming scene that not only serves as a testament to Pena’s acting, but it’s also one of the rare occasions in the film where the stereotype isn’t justified.
Screenplay
Det. Graham Waters (Don Cheadle) eases us into the film by explaining the meaning of the title by referencing car crashes as he’s just experienced one.
It’s the first time we see Officer John Ryan’s motivation behind his deep seated prejudices. His good intentions are overshadowed by his prejudice, especially through the eyes of this insurance representative.
The effects of a recent (and disturbing) encounter between these two characters melt away in this scene in which both people are trying to escape danger. It’s a shift in character for both Officer John Ryan (Matt Dillon) and Christine (Thandie Newton).
Nominations & Wins:
- Achievement in Film Editing (W) – Hughes Winborne
- Original Screenplay (W) – Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco
- Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (N) – Matt Dillon
- Achievement in Directing (N) – Paul Haggis
- Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song (N) – “In the Deep” (Music and Lyrics by Kathleen York and Michael Becker, Performed by Kathleen York)
Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars,