CRASH is David Cronenberg’s study of eroticism and technology. Based on J.G. Ballard’s novel, and starring James Spader, Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Deborah Kara Unger and Rosanna Arquette, the film is a sophisticated work in which Cronenberg depicts, with shocking beauty, a world in which humans align their minds, bodies and sexuality to the technology of cars.
Set in a passionless world of multi-lane freeways, CRASH is the story of advertising executive James Ballard and his wife Catherine, who lead complex, if hollow, sexual lives. Following a near fatal car crash with Dr Helen Remington,
Ballard is drawn into an exploration of the connections between danger, sex and death. As their involvement with photographer-scientist Vaughan and accident victim Gabrielle deepens, Ballard and Catherine find new and disturbing ways of expressing love.
CRASH was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival for its audacity, daring and originality. It caused a sensation on release, and remains banned in Westminster, London. The 4K restoration of CRASH receives its world premiere in Official Selection at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.