Crash. It's the sense of touch...in LA, nobody touches you
Have you ever seen a movie that was so profound, that you feel that it will remain burned in your mind forever?If I were to recommend one movie for anyone to watch about human struggle, the torment of life, political correctness, racism, stereotype, anger and hate and humanity, it would be Crash (2005). I've waited and waited and finally I bought and today I finally had a chance to watch. I am so glad I did.
I personally think that Crash is one of the most underrated and underappreciated movies out there. Though it may have won the Oscar for best picture, surprisingly, not many people know too much about it, and those who know automatically render it as trite and banal. I can't help but gear into my own stereotype of the ever unappreciateive indie elite latte sipping urban film downer socialite.
Crash deserves to be shown to anyone who's ever witnessed, experiences, felt, believed and lived through any form of discrimination or has lost faith in mankind. Though this movie may not be completely novel in it's technique or story, one should not dismiss that this movie does ring very true in our society right now. I may be affected as I am, because we (my family and friends) all live around the areas where the movie took place. We live in the Southern California. Many, if not most of the people I know work, live, play or go to school in West LA, the Valley, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Westwood, Brentwood, Glendale, Burank, Studio City, Hollywood and yes UCLA. I really don't understand all the hatred generated towards a film that rings true that speaks the truth. Crash is as preachy as you want it to be, and if you find the msg blase, I doubt your multimillion dollar over produced film will really lose much by not getting a gold statue this year.
This movie angered me, scared me and left an indelible impression on me. This movie shows us of the many things we are too embarassed to even think, too ashamed to say, and regretfully feel. After seeing this movie, I doubt any single one of you will be able to say "I'm not racist" or "I treat and look at every one the same." You know full well that's a bunch of bull.
If there was one thing that this movie showed me, is that we all have some form of discrimination against others. We all have preconcieved notions about others. We can't help it, because that's what we learn from society. No matter what we learn, no matter how much education we get, stereotypes kick in first. That doesn't change. We know the statistics behind it. We know the sociological implications, effects of poverty and destitute areas, living in crime infested neighborhoods. Still, all of it happens and it seems that no matter how much we to better ourselves and believe in others, nothing seems to work. Sometimes, it makes you lose hope and think why should we even bother if, in the end, everything stays the same? We just have to do our best and roll with the punches. Change takes a lot of time, but it happens...just not over night.
As we get to learn more about others, we modify what we already know to fit what we have learned and correct our previous ideas. The term is schema. We all have our own various schemas or schemata of how things are or should be. Just a little psychology there. Crash shows how people become aware of their racism and discrimination and how some people fight it and pretend they are above it and some give in to the hatred and stop fighting. No matter how educated we become, or how tolerant we are, racism and discrimination will always be there and we have to learn how to deal with it the real way. We can't all play hero, we can't always stand up for what we believe in. Sometimes it's better to shut up, and find another way.
In the Bible, it says that we must obey the human laws in accordinance to the laws of God. I think God was also speaking of unwritten laws as well. Not all of them are fair, but they are established and made known to everyone. I think, to a degree, we must follow those as well. The right way, is not always the best way. Sometimes the best way may not even be lawfully right, but in the end, it is a matter of what is most important to you and what is it you are willing to sacrifice. God will the the judge in the end.
Among all the movies I've seen, Crash may not be the best movie ever, but in it's essence and how close it hits to home, it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. You can certainly take everything in here to an even deeper and more complicated set, but in the amount of time they use, every element is taken to it's full potential. You need not add sugar to this coffee. It is best to be taken as is to appreciate the rawness and the flavor if it untouched in its full essence. Additional reviews.
posted by shine
at
Thursday, June 22, 2006
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