The theme is centered on racism and stereotypes

Rating: Null/10 (1 November 2010)

The movie crash involves a collection of events that bring multicultural characters together during an unforeseen situation. Each character is a victim of their own cultural bias that keeps them from interacting with others. In the movie stereotypes are challenged, confirmed, and cross-examined by the characters point of view . The film involves many actors that are connected by a single crash. The main character includes:
Jean Cabot (Sandra Bullock) Graham Waters (Don Cheadle) Matt Dillon (John Ryan ) Terrence Howard(Cameron Thayer) and Thandie Newton (Christine Thayer)
The theme is centered on racism and stereotypes. It explores how racial discrimination distorts our views and plays a vital role in the way we perceive and treat others. The irony in the film involves the characters no one knows who they will encounter in terms of tragedy and emotional anguish. Jean Cabot (Sandra Bullock) is a wealthy house wife her life is forever changed when she is robbed by two black men. She is now intolerant of people of color. Personal prejudices are formed from experience; those of us who had a bad experience with another race tend to stereotype that particular race. Graham Waters (Don Cheadle) is a African American detective with the LAPD. His negative view of his own race caused him to distance himself. Matt Dillon (Ryan) is a racist veteran cop who pulls over an African American married couple Terrence Howard (Cameron Thayer) and Thandie Newton (Christine Thayer). During this routine traffic stop Officer Ryan takes pride in degrading Cameron and abusing his wife. Powerless Cameron watch in agony as his wife is being humiliated. This incident of indecency put a strain on their relationship causing friction between the two.
Crash is a film that provides insight into people attitudes and behaviors brought on by bigotry and stereotyping races. The characters in this film are noticeably recognizable by their stereotypical behavior. Because the film is conflict motivated characters are too quick to use offensive racial remarks without merit. The scene takes place in the racially disjointed city of LA. Every day people pass each other by as if others aren't visible. The lighting of the film is symbolic to the headlights of a car that blur the vision of passing cars. Crash suggests our view of each other is distorted. The motif relates to the actual crash as it detailed how apparently unconnected lives overlap in entirely unpredicted ways. If it wasn't for the car crash the characters wouldn't be inter connected and forced to put their personal prejudices and side to help one another.
One of the main characters Don Cheadle set the tone for the movie; he states "We crash into each other, just so we can feel something." This comment suggests that we are unaware of own being and must try to connect with those around us. Our opinions of other are guided by notion that we are superior. Racism is learned behaviors that can be overcome if we take the time understand and value other cultures.