Write-Up #8 Assignment
Crash (2004) Paul Haggis
HUM 110: Introduction to American Film
JC Clapp, North Seattle College
Focus/Topic of Write-Up #8: Cultural and Social Significance
Films exist in particular social and cultural contexts, and films communicate to the viewer a
particular view of the world and what’s normal, possible, unacceptable, and desirable. Films
both influence and reflect social and cultural norms and attitudes.
Your Task (What your Write-Up should include):
Write a short essay that explains the cultural or social significance of Crash. Refer to specifics
from the film to support and explain your ideas. As you do that, consider these questions:
 What does this film tell us about race/ethnicity? What is culturally or socially significant
about how people of color are portrayed?
 What does the film tell us about class issues in America? Gender issues? Language
issues? Immigration and citizenship isues?
 What does this film tell us about what we as Americans value?
 How does this film reflect the cultural values and norms of the time-period in which it
was made (United States in 2004)?
 How does the editing and transitions in this film support the themes? Give specific
examples (with time stamps)
What your Write-Up should not include:
 a review (don’t tell us whether or not you liked the film)
 a biography of the director or actors or a synopsis of what the director/actors say in the
“Director’s Cut” of the film
 a plot summary
 any research at all from any source – I want your ideas only, please.
Grading Criteria (20 points): I will be looking for these elements when grading your Write-Up:
 Paper is in essay format with a brief introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a brief conclusion
 Paper carefully considers the cultural messages in Crash beyond the obvious/surface
 A minimum of 500 words (about 2+ pages)
 A heading that includes the name of the film, the year, and the name of the director
 Assignment typed in 12 pt. font, double spaced, and has 1 inch margins
 No response, critique, review, evaluation, or reaction
 Any ideas used from research sources are properly documented using MLA
 Grammatically correct and proofread – if there are extensive problems in this category, the
paper as a whole will not earn more than 13 points.