Television writer Paul Haggis makes his directorial feature debut with Crash. The film is set in Los Angeles and is one of the most heavy-handed films of the year.
In Crash, director Paul Haggis has dealt with the thought provoking subject of racial intolerance in contemporary America.
There are twelve (if not more) main characters that command the attention of the audience throughout the film.
A Persian store owner. Two police detectives who are also lovers. An African-American television director and his wife. A Mexican locksmith. Two car-jackers. A rookie cop. A middle-aged Korean couple. They all live in Los Angeles and their lives collide. Each life is in some way personally affected, changed or damaged by racism.
The film boasts of a very talented star cast with Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, and Matt Dillon leading the charge.
The script is filled with clever plot turns and the editing is crisp and keeps the audiences interested right till the end. The film has a broad appeal and will be able to draw in audiences from all spheres.
Cheadle tops the list with another strong performance. He plays the role of a detective who keeps people, including his partner and sometimes lover Esposito, at a distance. This is one gifted actor who has proved that he is here to stay.
Bullock plays the role of a lonely housewife and has in a way been successful in breaking away from her girl next-door image.
All in all, Crash is a good rookie effort by Haggis and for those who are looking forward to seeing a hard-hitting drama this one’s for you.