Extraordinary look at ourselves

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2006)

"Crash" is a wonderful ensemble piece that takes a straightforward look at the complexities involving human interaction. It isn't a clichéd, "message" movie that preaches or attempts to manipulate our emotions. Instead, it is a window into the psyche of people in very different situations. No one is all good, no one is all bad, but they all "crash" off one another in a series of random events that are deftly interconnected by writer and director Paul Haggis. Performances are topnotch, including Don Cheadle and Matt Dillon. Sandra Bullock does an admirable job also, cast against type as the haughty, demanding wife of the district attorney. It brings to mind "Traffic," another outstanding movie with a similar, multi-story script, and is no less brilliant. I recommend this movie highly.