Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson star in this 2002 legal thriller, where a minor car accident on the FDR Drive escalates into a bitter feud between a hotshot lawyer and a recovering alcoholic insurance salesman, profoundly impacting both their lives. What is the title of this film?

The film described, starring Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson in a 2002 legal thriller about a car accident spiraling into a bitter feud, is titled Changing Lanes. The story centers on Gavin Banek, a hotshot Wall Street lawyer, and Doyle Gipson, a recovering alcoholic insurance salesman, whose lives collide (Review)—literally—on the FDR Drive. This seemingly minor fender-bender sets off a chain of retaliatory actions, profoundly impacting both men as they desperately try to navigate their personal and professional crises.

The movie delves into the intense ethical dilemmas faced by both characters. Banek, rushing to file a crucial document to secure a lucrative deal for his firm, leaves Gipson stranded at the accident scene. Gipson, on his way to a custody hearing that could determine his future with his children, is left in a desperate situation. When Gipson inadvertently gains possession of Banek's vital document, it ignites a high-stakes "cat and mouse" game where each man attempts to dismantle the other's life, pushing the boundaries of morality and legality.

Directed by Roger Michell, Changing Lanes was praised for its tense, well-crafted exploration of these complex themes. The film effectively portrays how a single impulsive decision can escalate into a spiral of vengeance, forcing both protagonists to confront their own flaws and the consequences of their actions. It serves as an engaging and thought-provoking examination of human nature under pressure and the destructive power of a desire for retribution.