Film Review - Crash

The idea of getting aroused by being involved in a car crash is quite disturbing. But I went to see this film anyway.

Spader and Unger play a married couple who have very "free" sex lives. They enjoy their morning coffee with each other, and discuss the previous day's sexual encounters. At night, no matter where they've each been, they always come back to each other and make love. You know they make money somehow (there's a brief office scene), but otherwise these two are exploring all possibilities of sex.

All the characters have been involved in life-changing crashes. One strange, charismatic man, Vaughn (Koteas), introduces the other characters to this world of sex, pleasure and death. Gabrielle (Arquette) is a drug addict who has some very strangely shaped scars. Her legs are encased in metal braces which allow her to walk, and further demonstrates the link between man and mechanics. Although the entire film is about strange sex, there is a disturbing scene which gives new meaning to the term "fuck the wound."

But this film goes way beyond sex. It takes the link between sex and mortality to a new level. This is not a film for children or for those without a healthy idea of sex. This is not pornography, nor is it a film to see with a date. This is an art film, with an almost taboo subject matter. If you are looking for something different on a Saturday night, see this one with your spouse or very close friends.

Jammed Pipe!

Film Facts

Directed by David Cronenberg

Released in 1996

MPAA Rating: NC-17

Reviewed by RisCracker