The major theme reflected on racism and the social perception.

Rating: 9/10 (2 May 2013)

The 2004 film Crash takes the audience on a roller coaster ride through the lives of many characters. The film, co-written, produced and directed by Paul Haggis reflects on the racial and social tensions in Los Angeles, California. The film stars, Graham Walters (Don Cheadle) and Ria (Jennifer Esposito) who play police detectives in the film, who are dating and intertwined with Peter (Larenz Tate) who is Graham's brother in the film. The film also includes Rick Cabot (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Jean (Sandra Bullock) who are carjacked by Anthony (Chris "Ludscris" Bridges) and Peter (Larenz Tate). Also starring in the film are John Ryan (Matt Dillon) and his partner Tom Hansen (Ryan Phillippe) who are corrupt Los Angeles police officers. Additionally, Cameron Thayer (Terrence Howard) and his wife Christine (Thandie Newton) are pulled over by John, after the two display unusual behavior while driving. The story reflects on the lives of all these characters, how they are all connected, and how racism is relevant in today's society.
The major theme reflected on racism and the social perception. The movie placed a great deal of emphasis on racism, including scenes of Daniel (Michael Pena) going into a store and being treated badly because of his race and tattoos by store owner Farhad (Shaun Toub), while attempting to buy a gun. The two have an altercation, and Daniel leaves the store. Irony plays a part in the scene where Anthony and Peter are walking down the sidewalk and the two discuss how they were victims of racism and poor service based on their skin color. Shortly after having this discussion, the two hijack a SUV driven by Rick Cabot with his wife Jean as the passenger. The story begins to unfold and you begin to see the connection between the characters.
While watching the film, I recall having a similar feeling while watching American History X. Primarily, because of the strong emphasis placed on racism. There is often a lesson to be learned in dealing with movies that focus so much attention on racism and the perception that society accepts this behavior.
The motif of the film was relevant throughout, and related to the theme in the aspect that racism was consistently displayed. The lighting, often times dark and somber, also played into the theme. Racism is not bright and cheery, it is disturbing and dark.
Though this movie contained a high dose of reality in what people go through on a daily basis, it did so with ease. Even though the characters were divided, they were still somehow connected.