'Brokeback' writer smashes 'Crash'

Annie Proulx, whose short story was the basis for Brokeback Mountain, has hit out at Crash.

The writer – who approved of Ang Lee's adaptation – also slammed the Oscar judges who voted the race relations movie as best film.

They are "out of touch not only with the shifting larger culture and the yeasty ferment that is America these days, but also out of touch with their own segregated city," she wrote in Saturday's Guardian.

"If you are looking for smart judging based on merit, skip the Academy Awards next year and pay attention to the Independent Spirit choices," continued the 70-year-old, referring to the Oscar rival where Brokeback was named best picture.

She added: "Rumour has it that Lionsgate (the distribution company behind Crash) inundated the academy voters with DVD copies of 'Trash' -- excuse me -- Crash a few weeks before the ballot deadline."

In conclusion, however, Proulx conceded: "For those who call this little piece a Sour Grapes Rant, play it as it lays."