Revenge and redemption along our collective racial divide...

Rating: 8/10 (13 September 2005)

Various denizens of Los Angeles cross paths in ironic, cathartic and, as they say, life-changing and life-affirming ways. "Crash", the Academy's choice for Best Picture of its year, is unabashedly melodramatic; hence, it hits a preachy speedbump now and then. Still, its themes of personal self-loathing, lack of self-worth, impatience and rage come across succinctly, both verbally and emotionally. It's a carefully planned (one may say shrewdly planned) portrait of apathy in our present-day society, though director Paul Haggis ensures intense and sobering moments. The film begins at an almost elemental level, yet it eventually raises the bar for social issue dramas, and the ensemble cast is very fine. Sandra Bullock stands out as a wealthy white woman distrustful of anyone who doesn't look like her and Matt Dillon is solid as a deeply troubled cop (both are redeemed by circumstance). Other Oscar wins included Bobby Moresco and Paul Haggis for their screenplay, from an original treatment by Haggis, and for Best Editing. Dillon was nominated as Best Supporting Actor, Haggis for his direction, and Kathleen York and Michael Becker for their song "In the Deep". *** from ****