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'Racial Stereotypes In The Film Crash'

1003 Words5 Pages

Director Paul Haggis challenges views on race and the prejudices in today’s society through his Oscar award winning film, Crash. Through the use of highly effective cinematography, Haggis creates an emotive film opposing these racial stereotypes. In particular, techniques such as camera angles and shots, mise en scène, symbolism, dialogue and sound are used in considering prejudices. These techniques are used to challenge initial judgements, portray emotion in scenes and demonstrate the consequences of racial stereotyping. Haggis skilfully uses a variety of techniques to challenge the audience to reconsider their prejudices. Actively adhering to stereotypes before showing another side to the character challenges racial stereotypes as the audience …show more content…

Daniel, played by Michael Pena, is a Latino locksmith, called in to replace the locks in the wealthy Cabot’s home. A high angle shot pans down to Jean Cabot’s feet as she descends the stairs, where both the camera angle and her high physical position indicate her racial and class superiority over Daniel. Contrasting this, Daniel, who is filmed with a low angle shot, is shown crouching submissively while fixing the lock. A close up on Daniel then highlights his tattoos, shaved head, gold chain and informal dress; the costume design implying Daniel is a “gang-banger”, as further insinuated by Jean. The audience is encouraged throughout this scene to make judgements based on Daniel’s race, to then be immediately juxtaposed in the next scene, where he is shown as a loving parent as he returns home from work and checks on his young daughter, Lara, in her bedroom. Upon finding her hiding under her bed, afraid of a bullet coming into her room, he joins her laying on the floor. The mise en scène is highly effective in this scene and includes educational posters, quilted …show more content…

Through the use of effective mise en scène, symbolism, camera angles and shots, dialogue and sound, highly emotive scenes are consistently developed to have a deeper impact on the audience. Overall, the film is effective in dealing with race and prejudices, providing the audience with lasting messages encouraging them to be more aware of the racial stereotypes they face every

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