Casablanca

Casablanca is a true American classic that has captured the hearts of many audiences. I myself was reluctant to watch the movie because it was in black and white, even though I have been told it is phenomenal.   In watching the film, I discovered that the black and white sets the tone for the WWII era. 

Casablanca is a city in unoccupied France that is home to many refugees.  Inside this refuge is another refuge called Rick's Americain Cafe'.  Ricks is a place where all walks of life mingle from the pick pockets to the government officials.  The character of Rick seems like a mysterious, cynical, and neutral person.  He claims to have no opinion.  As the movie goes on the true Rick emerges.  Captain Renault says time and again throughout the movie what a sentimentalist he is.  Also the dialogue that Rick delivers is unforgettable, for example, "Here's looking at you kid" and "We'll always have Paris."

Ilsa enters into the mix of characters and seems to be what triggers changes in Ricks behavior.  Soon after she arrives at Ricks cafe' she sees Sam, the piano player from Paris.  She asks Sam to play, "As Time Goes By," knowing this will get Ricks attention.  This particular song is played several times throughout the movie in various ways.   When Sam plays it the for Ilsa in Ricks, it is the regular version.  After Rick enters the scene with the Captain comes to the table the song changes from the piano to deep strings to match Ricks upset mood.  The song changes again and slows as Ilsa and Laszlo exit the cafe' where it ends as they are driving away. 

Many may ask why the movie has stayed popular through the years, as stated in the textbook, The Art Of Watching Film, classics endure because of their strong, universal themes (pg 35).  This filmcan reach out to many viewers because there is something for everyone.  Casablanca is more than just a story about two people losing and finding each other in a world to chaotic for romantic dreams.  Its a story about a beautiful woman and a mysterious man, about war, responsibility, courage, duty, and most of all about doing the right thing (The Art of Watching Film, Boggs Pg 35).