The Rewatchables: Episode Summary – 'Crash' with Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Joanna Robinson

Introduction

In this episode of The Rewatchables, aired on February 25, 2025, Bill Simmons, along with Van Lathan and Joanna Robinson, delve into the contentious 2006 film Crash. Hosted by The Ringer, the episode explores the film's themes, its surprising win for Best Picture at the Oscars, and the subsequent backlash. The trio examines various elements of the movie, including character portrayals, narrative structure, and its lasting impact on Hollywood and societal discussions about race.

Live Show Announcement

At the outset, Bill Simmons announces The Rewatchables' upcoming live show in Boston at the House of Blues on March 27th. He shares details about the event lineup and ticket sales, expressing excitement about finally bringing the show to Boston.

Discussion on Crash

Crash serves as the central focus of this episode. Simmons introduces the film as "the biggest Oscars travesty of the 21st century," highlighting its Best Picture win over Brokeback Mountain. He describes Crash as a "weirdly watchable movie" that has, over time, taken on elements of comedy.

Character Analysis and Casting Critique

The hosts critique the film's casting choices and character development:

• Terrence Howard: Praised as "fantastic" and noted for doubling up with his role in Hustle & Flow. However, discussions reveal concerns about his limited recognition beyond Crash.

  Van Lathan (04:33): "There are a couple of scenes in the movie that get it devastatingly right."

• Sandra Bullock: Criticized for being typecast in romantic comedies, with her role in Crash seen as an attempt to break free from this stereotype.

  Bill Simmons (05:19): "Sandra Bullock is like, I'm being typecast in rom coms. I gotta break out of this."

• Don Cheadle: Acknowledged for bringing credibility to the film, with his role as a police officer navigating personal turmoil.

• Ryan Phillippe: Considered miscast, with the hosts suggesting alternatives like Heath Ledger or John Cusack for his role.

  Joanna Robinson (06:59): "I agree with Van. I don't think I've seen it since I saw it in the theaters, but... they're all... the Matt Dillon scene."

Oscar Controversy and Backlash

The episode delves into the controversy surrounding Crash's Oscar win:

• Bill Simmons (09:16) reflects on how Crash became infamous as the most famously egregious Oscar Best Picture win, noting the polarized reactions it elicited.

• Joanna Robinson (11:23) cites Roger Ebert’s fluctuating stance on the film, highlighting its divisive nature.

• Van Lathan (13:49) argues that the film was celebrated by Hollywood elites for its racial themes, leading to intensified dislike among general audiences who felt the critical acclaim was unwarranted.

  Van Lathan (13:49): "Crash was a movie that people were told that they should love, and they were told that, like, this movie is an incredibly biting and important criticism on race."

Themes and Societal Impact

The hosts dissect the movie's handling of race relations:

• Joanna Robinson (17:40) points out that the film's overt portrayal of racism lacks subtlety, failing to address microaggressions and instead resorting to broad stereotypes.

• Bill Simmons (25:19) discusses how Crash attempted to critique both overt and subtle racism but fell short due to its heavy-handed approach.

  Bill Simmons (25:19): "He showed us they had a $7.5 million budget. He took out three mortgages on his house... and then they decide to put DVDs to the different guilds. They were the first movie to send the DVDs to all the guild members. All of a sudden you win a Best Picture Oscar."

Rewatchability and Legacy

Despite the criticisms, the hosts acknowledge moments in Crash that remain memorable:

• Most Rewatchable Scene: Michael Peña’s interaction with his daughter, showcasing genuine emotion amidst the film’s complexities.

  Joanna Robinson (40:05): "I say Pena and his daughter. Like the invisible cloak scene."

• Least Rewatchable Scenes: Various over-the-top racist interactions and unrealistic plot developments that detract from the film’s overall impact.

  Van Lathan (45:38): "This is the least effective anti-slavery movie I've ever seen."

Alternative Casting and Hypotheticals

The trio entertains alternative casting choices, suggesting actors like Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Quentin Tarantino's potential directorial role, imagining how these changes could have altered the film's reception and quality.

Van Lathan (56:56): "Top five rewatchable scenes: Shaniqua Johnson and the insurance guy. She’s like, 'I know it's your fault, blah, blah, blah.'"

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Bill Simmons reflects on Crash's place in cinematic history as a film that sparked significant debate about race and the Oscars' decision-making process. The hosts agree that while Crash aimed to address important societal issues, its execution left much to be desired, resulting in a film that is often revisited more for its controversies than its artistic merit.

Bill Simmons (104:13): "That’s Crash. That’s Rewatchables."

Notable Quotes

• Bill Simmons (03:30): "I do care about the biggest Oscars travesty of the 21st century. Crash."
• Van Lathan (06:57): "They… are either their first big serious thing, they're making a turn, or Matt Dillon near the end of being a major star."
• Joanna Robinson (17:40): "All the racism is so obvious and broad that it just ignores the subtler, like microaggression factuality of how we navigate our lives."

Timestamp Highlights

• 00:00: Live show announcement in Boston.
• 02:03: Introduction of Crash as an atypical rewatchable selection.
• 05:19: Discussion on Sandra Bullock’s typecasting.
• 09:16: Reflection on Crash's Oscar legacy.
• 17:40: Critique of the film’s handling of racism.
• 40:05: Identification of the most rewatchable scene.
• 56:56: Suggestion of alternative impactful films.
• 104:13: Final thoughts on Crash's place in film history.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into Crash, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on its strengths and flaws. While acknowledging moments of genuine emotion and strong performances, the hosts critique the film’s overarching narrative and handling of sensitive themes, cementing Crash's reputation as a polarizing piece in Hollywood history.