Over the years, the film industry has faced its share of controversy, but one 1996 movie still stands out for the uproar it caused.
Directed by David Cronenberg, known for his focus on ‘body horror,’ this film sparked reactions that ranged from dislike to complete disgust. Some even tried to get it banned.
The controversy reached its peak when the film won an award at the Cannes Film Festival, only to be greeted by boos from the audience.
David Cronenberg himself mentioned that Francis Ford Coppola, the famous director of The Godfather, was involved in stopping the film from winning the prestigious Palme d’Or.
The backlash didn’t stop at Cannes. In the UK, The Daily Mail, a well-known conservative newspaper, campaigned to have the film banned.
Despite this, the British Board of Film Classification approved the film for release, although it took longer than expected. However, the Westminster Council decided to ban the movie from being shown in some parts of London.
Other places, like theaters in Ohio and Norway, also refused to show the film due to its disturbing content. This sparked debates on the limits of free speech.
So, what made this film so controversial?
The movie in question is Crash, which follows a married couple in an open relationship, dissatisfied with their sexual experiences. After one survives a serious car crash, they discover a strange arousal from the event. This leads them to a group of people with a similar fascination.
Crash became famous for its graphic sex scenes, intense violence, and disturbing imagery. One of the most shocking scenes involves a man having sex with a woman’s scar from a car accident.
The climax even suggests that these thrill-seekers want to die in a car crash to reach their ultimate desire.
Despite the controversy, Crash wasn’t fully banned in the UK, although it faced restrictions in some places. Film critic Roger Ebert called it “challenging” and “original,” praising its boldness but admitting, “I admired it, although I cannot say I ‘liked’ it.”
Crash still sparks debate, leaving viewers torn between fascination and disgust. It’s available for streaming on Apple TV in the US for those who want to see for themselves.