CRASHED INTO ME

It's been nearly two weeks since I first watched "Crash" and it stills haunts me. This film has lingered like the image you see when you close your eyes after staring at the sun. It is the in-your-face honesty that intrigued me. "Crash" begins with Det. Waters (Don Cheadle) theorizing about why L.A. drivers get in accidents. "It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something." At this point it becomes apparent that he has been in a car accident.

The next scene shows Anthony (Ludacris) and Peter (Lorenz Tate), two young African American men, leaving a restaurant. Anthony is complaining about the service they received saying that it is because they are black. He further rants about prejudices that his race suffers on a daily basis. I can't tell you any more. You have to see it for yourself.

What I can tell you is this is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. The script is expertly written. It is interesting to note that Paul Haggis wrote it because of an incident that happened to him over ten years ago. He and his wife were car-jacked one night and that crime lingered in his mind,but not because it happened to him. He kept wondering about the men who committed the crime. Who were they? Were they long-time friends or just partners in crime? And did they watch the rented video they had also stolen? I have always been interested in how screenwriters develop their stories, primarily because I am an aspiring screenwriter myself and I think it is fascinating how simply some people can find a story.

The other thing I must shout about is the entourage of outstanding actors in this film. From the experienced skills of Don Cheadle and Matt Dillon to the fresh new talents of Chris (Ludacris) Bridges and Michael Pena, this film is the best acted film in a long time. The list of excellent performances is amazing. What a coup for Mr. Haggis. Not only has he written a wonderful script, but he has amassed the perfect cast for his directorial debut.

I could continue talking about this film forever, but I won't because I want you to stop reading this blog, rush to your nearest rental place, watch it, think, watch it again, and then let me know what you think.

"Crash" leaves you thinking about many interesting ideas. I will pose this question to you-what makes a person a hero and what makes them a recreant?