Analysis of Crashfilm.com
Crashfilm.com is a non-linear web site constructed to entertain and inform viewers about the movie Crash. The film's construct demonstrates Manovich's idea of modularity through multiple story lines that initially seem disconnected, but are later revealed to be interwoven and interdependent. The web site attempts to do the same.
The site takes a few seconds to load its flash graphics, but once loaded reveals a screen with varying shades of blue with navigational links located at the bottom offering links to experience the film, film information, trailer, register, forum, reactions and the soundtrack. There are additional links on the right side of the screen that offer theater listings, an interactive "Have you crashed?" link, and information on how to own the film. The upper center portion of the screen is filled with text that highlight randomly to reveal various messages to the user.
The site blends print, cinema and HCI to create a consolidated example of a cultural interface. In this analysis I examine elements of Crashfilm.com's theme, color, graphics, audience and variability and discuss how they work together to comprise a cohesive medium for users to gather information.
Virginia Bevill
CMS 3710
Updated: 12 November 2008