Directed, produced and co-written by Paul Haggis, “Crash” was an overwhelming critical success and a surprising box office earner. It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, and won three of them, including best picture and best original screenplay (Haggis is noted for having writing and production credits on two Oscar winning films in a row – “Million Dollar Baby” and “Crash”). The film features a large ensemble cast with many notable actors such as Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Ryan Phillippe and Brendan Frasier. The film’s central theme is racism, and the way it manifests itself in everyday life. Unfolding over a span of two days in Los Angeles, the story follows may different characters as their lives intertwine, usually under tragic circumstances (shooting, carjacking, traffic accident, etc.)The film depicts how racism is still very much present in today’s America, and how people who publicly condone racism still have racist practices in everyday situations. “Crash” was noted for its nuanced portrayal of its flawed characters, avoiding clichés and the black and white distinction of the good and the bad, showing how the victims of racism are often racist themselves in different situation. Matt Dillon was particularly praised for his portrayal of a prejudiced LAPD police officer.
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