Crash
Crash is not only a wonderfully-crafted, compelling film, but it’s also an interesting sociological study. As you may know, Crash deals with the intersecting lives of Los Angelinos and their perspectives on race. It’s a heavy film, despite moments of levity, and it never really lets up in tension.
For me, part of the fun of watching this movie was seeing it in a Los Angeles theater. The movie is full of racial stereotyping and joke-making, and the audience would laugh at many of these instances. What was interesting was noticing that different sections of the theater would laugh at different racial jokes. With the lights up, I could tell why—different races found different parts of the movie funny.
The writing is strong in the film, but it’s really the performances that propel the movie. Don Cheadle turns in his usual awesome performance (he’s quickly becoming one of my favourite actors). Sandra Bullock (who I usually hate) plays a total bitch so convincingly that she managed to impress me (and the girl who cracked that Miss Congeniality joke behind me in the theater deserves props too).
Ryan Phillipe, Matt Damon, and Brendan Frasier are all good. Larenz Tate, one of the most grossly underrated black actors working right now, is solid, but rapper Ludacris steals all his scenes. I actually like Ludacris as a rapper, but his credible acting in this movie knocked my socks off. Thandie Newton turns in what might be her best work yet. Much has been written about how Terrence Howard is the next Denzel—believe the hype. I can’t wait to see Hustle & Flow.
This isn’t an easy movie to digest. It isn’t a date movie (despite my best intentions!). It’s a difficult film that merits serious discussion afterwards. Part of the best thing about this movie is that it’ll force you to consider your reaction to it.
For me, part of the fun of watching this movie was seeing it in a Los Angeles theater. The movie is full of racial stereotyping and joke-making, and the audience would laugh at many of these instances. What was interesting was noticing that different sections of the theater would laugh at different racial jokes. With the lights up, I could tell why—different races found different parts of the movie funny.
The writing is strong in the film, but it’s really the performances that propel the movie. Don Cheadle turns in his usual awesome performance (he’s quickly becoming one of my favourite actors). Sandra Bullock (who I usually hate) plays a total bitch so convincingly that she managed to impress me (and the girl who cracked that Miss Congeniality joke behind me in the theater deserves props too).
Ryan Phillipe, Matt Damon, and Brendan Frasier are all good. Larenz Tate, one of the most grossly underrated black actors working right now, is solid, but rapper Ludacris steals all his scenes. I actually like Ludacris as a rapper, but his credible acting in this movie knocked my socks off. Thandie Newton turns in what might be her best work yet. Much has been written about how Terrence Howard is the next Denzel—believe the hype. I can’t wait to see Hustle & Flow.
This isn’t an easy movie to digest. It isn’t a date movie (despite my best intentions!). It’s a difficult film that merits serious discussion afterwards. Part of the best thing about this movie is that it’ll force you to consider your reaction to it.
posted by Amy at 10:49 PM
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