CRASH

[ringsyde]

I was happy to see Paul Haggis' film, CRASH wn Best Picture and a few other Oscars tonite. This film does an excellent job of getting people to evaluate and discuss race, something I've shamelessly done in a few circles (to the chagrin of some and the benefit of many others). Its performance at the Oscars confirms what I've always believed; intelligent and thoughtful commentary about such an uncomfortable and divisive issue (race) can be artistic, inspiring and powerful in its ability to unite.

I've been using this film in a few of my classes to help students study irony, setting and the whisper thin line between protagonist and antagonist in the modern short story. I've also joined (and conducted) several panel discussions regarding the film and the issues of race that it addressses.

If you haven't seen CRASH, you owe it to yourself to rent or buy the movie and watch it. There's so much going on in it that you have to see it a few times to get everything. Regardless, it's worth watching, and it certainly deserved the nod over Brokeback Mountain.

[gwffantrav]

I haven't seen it, but my mother in law actually liked it and she doesn't get those kind of movies. I may check it out one Saturday if it's on indemand and the wife is playing bunco and the little guy is gone to grandparents.

But thank God Brokeback Hype didn't win. I would have put my house down on it winning...whew! Let the hype settle down now...pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee

[Big Bri]

gwffantrav said:

But thank God Brokeback Hype didn't win. I would have put my house down on it winning...whew! Let the hype settle down now...pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee

I agree Trav; it was all a bunch of hype. Crash is an EXCELLENT movie, and deserved to win. Check it out when you get a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Jon Stewart also did an awesome job as host. He had me laughing every time he said something.

[ringsyde]

Take out the homosexaul twist, and what's left of Brokeback Mountain?

While I respect Ang Lee (in spite of his bastardization of the Hulk), and I enjoyed the movie, there wasn't much to talk about beyond the gay element.

And yes, John Stewart deserves to be the host every year until he decides not to do it.

[gatekeeper]

ringsyde said:

Take out the homosexaul twist, and what's left of Brokeback Mountain?

While I respect Ang Lee (in spite of his bastardization of the Hulk), and I enjoyed the movie, there wasn't much to talk about beyond the gay element.

Well, I haven't seen the movie but I think the homosexual angle is what would make it different than every other "I love you but I can't have you" movie that's ever been made, hence garnering interest in it.

[ringsyde]

Movies that rely heavily on gimmicks seem too contrived to be movie of the year candidates. You would literally have to gut CRASH completely to reduce it to "standard fare". Brokeback, however, is one gimmick away from being run-of-the-mill grist. Once people realized that, Brokeback Mountain began to lose a little steam (in terms of Oscar consideration and even ticket sales).

[offspring515]

Brokeback Mountain was a very good movie. Best Picture? I don't know, I was pulling for Good Night and Good Luck (all the while knowing there was no chance in hell it would win). I didn't see the 3 other films.

I think reducing it to a "gimmick movie" is pretty unfair. Yes, the movie was marketed and pushed as "that gay cowboy movie" because it created a buzz and got people to go out and see it. But to me, there was a pretty emotional love story there that was well written, very well directed, and had some great performances.

But of course, your mileage may vary.

[pikemojo]

Crash was the only nominee that I had actually seen and I really enjoyed it. I liked Matt Dillon's character. It showed that there is always more to people than what is seen and perceived. He did terrible things in the movie but he was not necessarily a bad person.
If you haven't seen it, go see it. It is about more than just race even though race is the main subject.

[stephenvegas]

Last year I actually went to the theater to see Crash but unfortunatly did not get to see it at the time because the times in the paper and the times at the theater turned out not to be the same and the movie had already started 10-15 minutes earlier than I originally thought. But if Crash is at the video store down the street tomorrow, I'm going to rent and finally see it. The only nominee for best picture that I have seen so far is Munich which I liked but I'm really looking forward to seeing Crash.

[pistonhurricane]

I liked Crash. The only issue i had with it was how some things seemed forced into each other (ie everyone was inter connected) Good acting turned in by almost everyone.

Loved Matt Dillons character. Really didnt care for Tony Danzas.