Film “Crash”

Assignment:  Answer the following questions on separate paper.  I prefer you use a computer unless handwritten is the only option.  Must be legible!

1. What was your initial or immediate reaction to Crash? Why do you think you responded as you did?
2. In what ways were the techniques of film-making (casting, direction, lighting, script, music, sets, action, cinematography, editing, etc.) used to get the film’s message across, or to make the message plausible or compelling? In what ways were they ineffective or misused? Two very important aspects of cinematic technique evident in Crash are the editing and the music. How was the editing used to enhance the story line? How did the music enhance it?
3. Most stories actually are improvisations on a few basic story-lines common to literature. What other films come to mind as you reflect on this movie? What novels or short stories?
4. With whom did you identify in the film? Why? With whom were we meant to identify? Which character offended you the most? Why? Offended you the least? Why?
5. Discuss each main character in the film and their significance to the story.
6. What is the significance of the ending snowstorm?
7. How satisfying is the conclusion to the film? How satisfying is it meant to be?
8. How would you answer the question, “Is it a good movie?”
9. Director Haggis described a good film as one that ‘makes you ask questions of yourself as you leave the theater.’ Is this how you identify a “good film?” Why or why not?

10. To what extent are you developing meaningful relationships with people very unlike you—in terms of race, or cultural background, or religion, or world view, or lifestyle, or values? What plans should you make? What will be missing in your life if, in an increasingly globalized world, you remain isolated in a group with people largely like yourself?