Review of Crash

It is fascinating to read the mixed reviews of Crash. It is certainly a controversial film, but I wouldn't apply as a result of beating Brokeback Mountain at the Oscers. I would apply it to the issues it brings up, most notably racism. Though after watching and enjoying it, I must praise the film for what it is. I believe that the film was effective in creating tension in its audience, the editing and camerawork is superb e.g. the close-up of the gun held by the Persian as he seeks retribution through murder. I think that the film is highly effective, in interweaving the plots, to create the climax. It is though somewhat sad that the director, kills off the black guy and I'm not surprised by the amount of negative reactions to that. I though felt thoroughly manipulated, as I was indeed one of the people sitting on the edge of their seat, as the Persian shot at the little girl and pleasantly surprised that she wasn't hurt. I believe that the theme of racism is well explored, he underlines issues of racism in all race and classes and not just the white bourgeois. I can identify Ebert's quote to the film that 'people's assumptions prevent them from seeing the actual person'. The film teaches us a lesson that we should somehow find a way around our racial judgements and not judge the person by their colour. I do indeed think that 'Crash is a film about progress', the main thing is that we learn something from a film and I feel we get that with Crash.
Though I must add that although I'm a fan of the Stereophonics, I can see little to why Maybe Tomorrow would have something to do with the film.