'Crash' by J.G. Ballard, adapted into a movie by David Cronenberg, explores the dark and taboo world of sexual attraction and desire intertwined with car crashes. The book delves deep into the psyches of its characters, portraying their obsession with the collision of man and machine as a form of erotic release. The narrative follows a couple in an open marriage who encounter Vaughn, a man with a disturbing plan to showcase the connection between car crashes and sexuality, ultimately using them as unwitting participants in his experiment. The writing style is described as dripping with sexual tension and taboo desires, reminiscent of Cronenberg's film adaptation which is praised for its smutty and erotic nature.

Characters:

The characters are complex and troubled, engaging in relationships that reveal their obsessions and psychological struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is marked by a strikingly vivid and unsettling style that enhances the themes of body horror and sexual fascination.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores the intersection of sexuality and vehicle collisions, featuring a couple embroiled in a disturbing relational dynamic with Vaughn.

Setting:

The settings are urban and gritty, enhancing the overall themes of alienation and the mechanization of human experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally slow, allowing for deep introspection while building tension around the unsettling themes.

Notes:

David Cronenberg directed a film adaptation of the book Crash by J.G. Ballard.

Crash explores sexual attraction stemming from car accidents.

The film features a couple in an open marriage who meet a man named Vaughn, leading to a bizarre plan.

The movie is known for its dreamlike and fever dream atmosphere.

Crash merges themes of technology, sexuality, and body horror.

The original novel is considered disturbing and deeply erotic.

Cronenberg's adaptation of Crash is noted to have won critical acclaim.

The film emphasizes the psychological aspects rather than graphic violence, differentiating it from some of Cronenberg's other works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Due to graphic sexual content, themes of obsession, body horror, and potential triggers related to trauma, the book carries high content warnings.

Has Romance?

While not a central theme, romance does play a medium role in the book, characterized by complicated relationships and sexual encounters.

From The Publisher:

Presents the screenplay of the film, based on J.G. Ballard's novel of the same name, about the adventures of a married couple in a future world centered on the automobile and on multi-lane freeways

1996

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66 pages

What can you read after
Crash?

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Crash

David Cronenberg

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