The Pop Pirate

Striking a Balance

Went to see Crash last night. One word: amazing. This film successfully weaves at least 7 different story lines together into one with grace, the acting is terrific, but the most remarkable thing about it is it's balance.

Paul Haggis (who wrote Million Dollar Baby, and makes his directorial debut here) skillfully balances the different stories in terms of screen time, but also in terms of emotional impact and sympathy for the characters. He also balances many different shades of grey. No character makes all bad choices, and only one seems to make all good ones. But there are many different shades among the 14 or so main characters, some do much better than others, and different viewers will rank the characters (if they are wont to do so) differently.

But possibly the most surprising balancing act, and certainly the most refreshing, is the balance of comedy and drama, of levity and gravitas. A truly great movie can make you laugh out loud and sob out loud in a short period of time, and this film achieves that- and to a very high degree. For example, the Ludacris/Larenz Tate characters will make you laugh one minute, then horrify you the next, only to turn it around to light again.

Some critics have questioned the number of coincidences that drive the story. In my opinion, though, this is used as a storytelling element to demonstrate that we are all connected, and that things we do have unexpected consequences for those we least expect. It is sometimes hard to accept an unrealistic storytelling device in a very realistic story, but if you relax and buy into it, the effect is amazing.

Admittedly, Crash has some flaws. The racial tensions are set-up in a rather heavy-handed way, making the first act seem a little forced. But this blatant approach to the exposition allow more subtle development of these relationships and attitudes. I think its a case of the ends justifying the means.

In short- go check out Crash. You won't be disappointed.

posted by Jeff @ 3:09 PM