Casablanca (1942)

Of all the beautiful black and white movies the 40’s produced, Casablanca remains a firm favourite of mine. It’s story truly catches your attention. As does it’s charcters, as more of their pasts are revealed through time.

A particular thing I admire about this film is how the entire story feels as if it has been told in a single take. Most of this story unwinds in one or two sets, and there are little to no insane jump cuts that involve other characters in other settings. This, for me, truly emphasises how fast all of these things are happening to our main characters and makes the story much easier to understand. The only part of this film that breaks from the constant setting of Casablanca are a set of beautiful flashbacks to a past life. This shocks us out of the present and immerses us in a more mundane and easy time of life for our characters. And as this film is set to the backdrop of a wonderful music score by Max Steiner. Every decision, scene and emotion is accentuated.

Speaking of it’s characters, the depth that they show is unbelievable. As I mentioned before this film does not rely on sets or terrific action scenes like many modern movies, but instead relys on amazing acting, characterisation and an excellent plot. For example, take the great Humphrey Bogarts character Rick: We as the audience begin by seeing Rick as cold and almost emotionless. Shown by how in his first appearance, he is just a pair of hands signing a cheque, almost a metaphor for how he is simply a strange sort of figurehead. Running his establishment without that much real social content apart from his workers and a couple trusted friends. As he seems almost closed off. But as camera pans up we see a tired, but well dressed, looking gentleman sitting alone playing chess by himself. Another sort of hidden metaphor for how Bogarts character likes to avoid political confrontation despite being an influential bar owner in a place torn by political issues. Although Rick begins the film as this lone character, as the end screen plays we think of him completely differently. As a more wise, loving man. Who has turned into what The Captain originally described him as ‘a sentimentalist’. We can see this change in all of our characters as the events effect them emotionally and it really adds to the true immersion of this film.

Casablanca also remains to be one of my favourite depictions of a love story. Although tragic in its telling, we still see the true admiration our two characters have for each other. Although circumstance is not a friend to our lovers the beauty of their Parisian past truly forever bonds them together. As our love story does not play out like a many others of its time. It is an excellent example of love as we see the struggle from both sides. As our couple struggle with their desires and what is truly right along with the decision that threatens to ruin them. Although we still reach a positive ending and ‘the beginning of a beautiful friendship’ we can’t help but feel remorse for our lovers. And we question if they were truly meant to be together of if what played out was really what fate truly wanted.

Overall I think that Casablanca is a wonderful film filled with tension, shock and a set of believable characters. Who’s story has stood the test of time beautifully. And is also an excellent place to start if you would like to start watching more classic movies or if you would like a love story unlike many current ones.