Paul Haggis’ Oscar-winning Crash has been the most frequently rented movie on Netflix since its DVD release in September 2005, the Chicago Tribune has pointed Read the full post.
Apr 15
2009
02:00 PM ET
'Crash' dominates Netflix three years after it won Best Picture: Wait...what?
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Because most Americans have middlebrow taste? Same reason that Shawshank is #1 on IMDB.
If the ranchhands in Brokeback had been a male and a female, this movie would more widely have been recognized for what it is: a sappy soap opera about infidelity. So does it’s treatment of gay really make it a better film? No.
By comparison, Crash was a great story with scads of interesting characters. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as emotionally terrified at that movie as when the Persian storekeeper fired a gun at the Latino’s daughter. Unlike TV, there was no reason not to kill her.
Everyone in Crash was human. Most of the roles in Brokeback were one dimensional.
Crash was SO BAD.
rockgolf, you like SO many other people, seemed to have missed the point of Brokeback Mountain.
Crash was a series of interesting vignettes tied together by a catalyst. You can call that a movie if you like.
They are decent enough on their own but with one (maybe two) parts that excel. Together they create a portrait of conflict but the character arcs are stunted and the ending is trite. The characters are NOT well-rounded but they are COMPELLING, there is some great acting and some great stars in it, and the issue is very relatable – much more than, say, a slow-paced moody gay cowboy romance. It’s not a best picture IMO but it is a good one.
Just a cursory glance, but I think it’s a combination of what you pointed out–the checking out of “prestige” “middle-brow” movies in a safe and less expensive environment–plus it does seem that the rankings are cumulative over time. So “Crash” is the most requested since its debut. Since “Crash” owed its win to being the hometown movie, and LA is few people’s hometown, it’s probably has a major curiosity factor built-in. Same with “The Departed”: people want to see the seamy side of Boston. Maybe people want to escape to a worse world?
Wasn’t a fan of crash. Too cliche.
No, I didn’t rent Crash on Netflix because I bought it. I like it a lot; maybe other people do too, and that’s why it’s so popular.
I absolutely agree that it’s a better investment to rent those “arty” films on Netflix, rather than see them in the theater–why spend money on what often turns out to be a downer film? when it’s just part of a package deal you already have, it’s a safe and wise investment. I love Netflix. most of the other movies you mentioned I didn’t love, but I did see–through Netflix.
I have to agree on how accurate that list is. I mean Mr. & Mrs. Smith was way up there for the longest time and come on how old is that movie???
Why the gasp? “Crash” was a quality film. Who cares if it was released years ago. If a movie like “Sunset Blvd” which came out in 1950 was #1 would you have the same reaction? If it’s a good movie, I’m glad to see it at #1. At least it’s not something like “American Pie: Band Camp.”
Netflix is for all those movies you might want to see but were too embarassed to rent at the local video store. Oh and for all those art/foreign films.
crystalsea…movies that lots of people like is pretty much the definition of “popular.” That doesn’t explain WHY people liked it.
Crash number one?! Well, this is the country that gave Fast and Furious the biggest opening of the year so there’s our answer… people love garbage.
I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday. Hasn’t ever Netflix member seen it by now?!
Maybe Crash is number one due to curiosity. Like, “It won the Oscar, but tons of people hate it – what’s that all about? Maybe I should check it out for myself.”
But it is weird that the interest hasn’t died down, three years later.