Exploring the Theme of Action Versus Inaction in 'Crash'

The film, Crash, was written and directed by Paul Haggis. The genres of Crash are crime, drama, and thriller. Some of the main actors/actresses that are in it are Sandra Bullock (Jean Cabot), Don Cheadle (Det. Graham Waters), Matt Dillon (Officer John Ryan), Thandie Newton (Christine Thayer), Terrence Howard (Cameron Thayer), Ryan Phillippe (Officer Tom Hansen), Larenz Tate (Peter Waters), Brendan Fraser (Rick Cabot), Ludacris (Anthony), Ashlyn Sanchez (Lara), and Shaun Toub (Farhad). The film takes place over a thirty-six-hour period in Los Angeles California sometime not long after 9/11 had taken place.

This film examines the theme of action versus inaction through characters making decisions that will forever affect them.

The film supports the theme of action versus inaction through multiple instances of the character’s decision-making. In Crash when Christine and Cameron are pulled over by Officer Ryan and Officer Hansen, Officer Ryan inappropriately feels up Christine. Both Cameron and Officer Hansen are inactive bystanders because they choose to not do anything when Officer Ryan is assaulting Christine.

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Both men face severe consequences for their inaction when they try to redeem themselves. Cameron is almost killed when he acts super rough and tough towards the cops and is uncooperative. He does this to try to make up for the lack of toughness he showed when he and his wife were pulled over. Luckily, Officer Hansen saves the day by convincing the cops of letting him off with a harsh warning.

Another example of how the film supports the theme of action versus inaction is when Officer Hansen unjustly shoots Peter Waters.

Officer Hansen was frustrated about how his job was going and it ultimately led to him shooting a man. There is irony in the situation because Officer Hansen shoots Peter, but he was acting like Cameron; Officer Hansen just saved Cameron. Officer Hansen’s inaction from being a bystander before, led to the death of a man.

The film also supports the theme of action versus inaction when Lara saves her father from a bullet with her magical imaginary cloak. Lara’s father had to make up a story about a cloak that his fairy Godmother gave him and it protected him. Her father then told her that the cloak would protect her from anything and that nothing could ever go through it, not even a bullet. Lara, believing those words, takes action by jumping in front of her father to protect him from being shot. Both Farhad and Lara’s father thinks it’s an absolute miracle. Farhad said that he finally found his guardian angel.

The last example of how the film supports the theme of action versus inaction is when Peter Waters is killed. When the Waters’ mother collapses in tears, she accuses Detective Waters of being the reason his brother died. Waters’ mother said, “Oh, I already know who killed him. You did. I asked you to find your brother, but you were too busy for us. We weren't much good to you anymore, were we? You got things to do. You go ahead. I'll sign the papers.' His inaction to find his brother led to his death. Detective Waters forever had to live with the fact that he is the reason his brother is dead.

In my opinion, this film was extremely effective in its ability to show so many films. Action versus inaction was just one of so many themes that the movie was able to show. I feel that the movie was able to stir up some uncomfortable concepts and force people to see, feel, consider, and understand some of the issues in this world. The movie was very deep and moving and I believe it had an impact on anyone that watched it. The movie was very intense and anyone watching couldn’t help but be moved. I believe the writer fully developed the theme by giving many instances where a theme was easy to pick out and had enough examples of it to be labeled as a theme. Overall, I feel that Crash is a powerful film that digs deep into the hearts of its viewers and stirs emotions.

Works Cited

1. Crash. Directed by Paul Haggis, Lionsgate, 2004