‘Crash’ With Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Joanna Robinson
Feb 25, 2025
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The hosts dive into the controversial Oscar-winning film 'Crash,' dissecting its impact on Hollywood and cultural dialogue around race. They reflect on personal anecdotes and the backlash following its release. Imagining it as a TV series, they explore potential castings and network options. A lively discussion highlights character dynamics and moral complexities, all while critiquing the film's portrayal of societal issues. They also humorously compare actors' career peaks and touch on the evolution of film narratives through changing cultural landscapes.
01:48:55
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Quick takeaways
The hosts reflect on the emotional and thematic complexities of 'Crash,' considering its controversial Oscar win amid stronger competitors.
They analyze standout performances from the ensemble cast, highlighting how these portrayals intersect with societal issues and redemption arcs.
The discussion emphasizes the shifting cultural landscape since the film's release, suggesting that its messaging may resonate differently with today's audiences.
The hosts critique the film's lack of subtlety in addressing race relations, advocating for a broader understanding of its cultural impact.
Deep dives
Live Show Announcement
A live show is scheduled in Boston for March 27th at the House of Blues, featuring the full cast including notable personalities. This marks the first time the show visits Boston, emphasizing excitement for the event. Tickets are set to go on sale on February 27th at 10 a.m. Eastern, and additional weekend activities are expected. The hosts acknowledge their previous shows in various cities while highlighting the unique anticipation surrounding this particular event.
The White Lotus Season 3
The conversation includes a promotion for the upcoming season of The White Lotus, which will be set in Thailand. The show is praised for its luxurious setting, new and returning characters, and its characteristic chaotic narrative. The hosts enthusiastically recommend the series, indicating strong viewer engagement. Recaps and discussions about the show can be found on the Prestige TV podcast, showcasing the hosts' dedication to exploring contemporary television.
Revisiting Crash
The podcast discusses Crash, a film that won the Best Picture Oscar in 2006, with a focus on its strong emotional resonance and heavy-handed themes. Despite its flaws, the film has been noted for its provocative discussions about race and relationships in America, sparking varied reactions from audiences and critics. The hosts express nostalgia for the film, acknowledging some standout performances from its ensemble cast. There is a recognition of the film's controversial reception, particularly regarding its Oscar win over more critically acclaimed works like Brokeback Mountain.
This Year's Academy Awards Trivia
The discussion touches on the oddity of the Academy Awards, particularly how unexpected films can win top honors. There's a sense of confusion and nostalgia surrounding the choices of past Oscar winners, especially with Crash's win being seen as a misstep in retrospect. The hosts share insights on the criteria and whims of Oscar voters and how industry politics can influence decisions. There's a speculation that had Crash been released today, it might not achieve the same level of acclaim due to shifting cultural standards.
Characters and Performances
The podcast delves into the performances of characters in Crash, spotlighting Terrence Howard, Matt Dillon, and Don Cheadle. There’s an analysis of how these performances reflect societal issues and personal redemption arcs, with some characters offering a cynical view on race relations. The conversation also highlights the unexpected comedic elements within the film, making it a unique subject for rewatching. The ensemble cast is praised for their depth, with several performances being recognized as standouts despite the film's overall shortcomings.
Cultural Reflection
There’s a broader discussion on how Crash reflects the early 2000s cultural landscape and the state of race relations at that time. The film’s messaging is critiqued for its lack of subtlety and nuance, raising questions about its influence on viewers’ perspectives of race. The hosts suggest that the candid conversations about the film's impact may resonate differently today, given the evolving discussions around race and representation in media. The film is positioned as a cultural artifact that opens the door to understanding contemporary societal conversations.
What's Age the Best
During the podcast, they touch on elements of the film that have aged well, such as the exploration of race and policing, which remain relevant topics today. Discussion includes the significance of understanding how cultural narratives evolve, particularly in media representations of marginalized communities. The hosts express surprise at how certain scenes capture the sentiment of the time while resonating in today’s social context. This reflection allows listeners to consider how past narratives inform current perspectives.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Joanna Robinson revisit one of the most controversial Best Picture–winning films of all time, Paul Haggis’s ‘Crash,’ starring Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Thandiwe Newton, Sandra Bullock, Terrence Howard, and Michael Peña.
