Race
From the film’s opening scene, Crash seeks to tackle the difficult topic of race and its ubiquity in American society. Haggis thrusts us into the middle of a racial dispute. In doing so, he demonstrates that each character has been affected by racial prejudice in some way—either as a victim of it, or as a perpetrator of racist aggression to others—and sometimes both. In examining race from different perspectives, Haggis demonstrates the complexities of the racial discussion in America. Rather than provide a solution for absolving these prejudices, Crash suggests that we challenge ourselves to reflect upon our own experiences. Ultimately, the film makes a powerful argument against using hatred to feel powerful over another. Rather, we are prompted to ask of ourselves: what is my own position within the American racial discussion, and what can I do to understand the experiences of others and support them?
Shame
Many of the film’s characters experience feelings of shame. For example, Cameron Thayer’s behavior in the workplace demonstrates that he is ashamed of his blackness. Following his inaction during his wife’s attack, we learn that Cameron is also ashamed of his passivity. Later, as he returns the gun to Anthony following the attempted carjacking, Cameron expresses that he is “ashamed” of Anthony’s criminal activities. Furthermore, Detective Waters feels shame when his mother repeatedly tells him of his negligent behavior. However, rather than confront their shame headfirst, both Thayer and Waters keep their feelings within them. It is only during extreme circumstances that the characters reach their breaking points and reveal their vulnerabilities to others.
Action Versus Inaction
Throughout the film, we witness many circumstances in which characters must make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. In these instances, we become aware of the difference between action versus inaction. For example, both Officer Hansen and Cameron choose to be inactive bystanders when they allow Officer Ryan to assault Christine. The two characters are later haunted by their passivity and attempt to redeem themselves by taking extreme measures of action. For example, Cameron nearly gets himself killed by the police for being provocative and uncooperative during an investigation. On the other hand, Hansen seeks an outlet for his professional frustration and passivity by unjustly murdering an innocent citizen. An example of a character taking action against aggression is when Lara decides to save Daniel with her “invisible impenetrable cloak.” Another instance that demonstrates the difference between action and inaction is the death of Peter Waters. When Waters’s mother collapses in the morgue, we understand that Detective Waters’s inaction ultimately led to her other son’s death.
Justice
Many of the character’s actions are motivated by their quest for justice. However, this quest often takes an ironic turn. Farhad, aggravated by the robbery and vandalism of his store, seeks justice in punishing Daniel. However, avenging Daniel is not the way to pursue the path to righteousness—instead, Farhad wrongly blames an innocent man. Similarly, there is the overshadowing irony of the corrupt “justice” system. While Detective Cabot seeks to persecute the white undercover cop for killing a black undercover officer, we realize that this action is solely motivated by his quest to secure the “black vote” for his upcoming election. Additionally, Officer Ryan seeks to pursue justice for his ill father. However, he goes about it in an unjust way, verbally attacking the innocent healthcare representative simply because of her race.
Religion
The theme of religion runs strongly throughout the film. Firstly, it is significant that the film takes place in Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels. Angels appear as the film continues, most notably when Farhad refers to Lara as his “guardian angel.” Additionally, many of the character’s names bear religious significance. Peter, John, and Thomas are the names of three of Twelve Apostles. In addition, the name Christine literally translates to “follower of Christ.” Further, the religious iconography of Saint Christopher remains an important symbol through the film's final moments. Lastly, the film’s score often takes the tone of a church gospel or hymnal. This religious style of music is particularly evident in the film’s opening scene and during Farhad’s confrontation with Daniel.
The Relationship Between Parents and their Children
The dynamic between parents and their children remains a consistent theme of Crash. Parent-child duos include Lara and Daniel, Dorri and Farhad, Detective Waters and his mother, and Officer Ryan and his father. In all of these relationships, we come to understand each parent’s vulnerability. In this regard, the parent specifically counts on his or her child to be a caretaker. The actions of both Lara and Dorri demonstrate the lessons they have each learned from their fathers. Although both daughters are a continuation of their father’s legacy, they both possess a maturity and awareness that enhances their father’s lives. Each helps to save her father from a particular fate. The contrasting situations of Detective Waters and Officer Ryan demonstrate the complicated dynamics of parent-child relationships. Both Waters and Ryan have sick parents, and their shared profession in law enforcement demonstrates that the two have power and influence in their society. However, we see that Ryan’s bigotry interferes with his ability to successfully advocate on his father’s behalf. Similarly, Waters’s shame and selfishness prevent him from realizing his potential to adequately care for his family.
Blindness
Blindness is a theme that translates both visually and in the film’s actions. In the opening scene, the light that shines through the car window blinds the viewer. This brightness gives the impression that Detective Waters, the first character that appears in-frame, is in the midst of experiencing either a religious or a near-death incident. However, as the frame widens, we become aware that Waters has been “blinded” by a car accident. This scene’s use of light parallels the theme of “crashing” that Detective Waters explains in the film's opening lines. In life, we are often blind to the world that exists outside of our daily personal experiences. However, during moments of collision, we are awakened and become aware of our blindness. In these moments, we must attempt to understand our relationship to the world that surrounds us.
