Skip to content

CRASH (1996)

Written By:

Martin Unsworth
crash

Massively controversial on its original release – even banned for a while in the UK – David Cronenberg’s adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s 1973 novel still has the power to shock but also remains a powerful spectacle.

James Ballard (James Spader) is a film director who enjoys an open, intensely sexual relationship with his wife Catherine (Deborah Kara Unger). When he’s involved in a car accident that leaves him with a horrific leg injury, a man dead, and the man’s wife Helen (Holly Hunter) scarred he becomes captivated with car crashes and their impacts. He becomes close to Helen – a doctor – and her physician, Dr Vaughan (Elias Koteas), who organises recreations of famous, lethal accidents (such as James Dean’s final ride) in his spare time.

Time hasn’t softened the impact of Crash. The juxtaposition of twisted steel and writhing, naked, and often scarred bodies is as disturbing as ever. Cronenberg’s fascination with corrupted flesh is as evident as always, only this time it’s blended with the mangled bodywork of vehicles. It’s a tale of obsession and living out fantasies, however macabre they might be.

Looking at the film today, we have to posit that the element that might have caused the most outrage with the censors and viewers at the time of release could be the same-sex coupling of Spader and Koteas in one scene. The sexual element has been surpassed by more recent films, but the inappropriate nature still packs a punch.

Aussie label Umbrella’s Blu-ray release has plenty of extras that show the various sides of the production, with input from Cronenberg’s regular cinematographer Peter Suschitzky (who was also behind the camera on The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Empire Strikes Back) and composer Howard Shore amongst others. There’s even a cell phone-filmed intro by the director himself, which is very amusing.  

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More