Dir. Michael Curtiz, 1942, US, 102 mins
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Paul Henreid
Review by Julia Smith
Casablanca is a film that needs no introduction, let alone a description of its merits. Considered one of the great cinematic pieces of all time, it is remembered more for its memorable quotes and iconic actors more than for the story of the film itself. Most importantly, it is remembered for its end scene, which aids the film in frequently making it to the top of the ‘Best Love Story’ polls.
The story of Casablanca is a simple one. In the beginnings of World War II an American named Rick (Humphrey Bogart) owns a bar in Casablanca, Morocco. He is solitary, but widely admired by all around him. One day a woman walks into the bar, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), accompanied by her husband Victor (Paul Henreid). Rick and Ilsa recognise each other immediately. And it becomes clear that Rick is love sick for her, because one time, long ago, they were lovers, and she left him without giving him a reason why…
Casablanca is the great Hollywood film, for a combination of reasons. Firstly, for it’s stars. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are great icons of classical Hollywood cinema. Bogart is best known for his rugged features and deep voice, and Ingrid Bergman with her European beauty. That being said, it is their performances as Rick and Ilsa, forever remembered in their trench coats in the closing scenes, that make this a truly great film.
Bolstered by classical Hollywood editing and photography, the film’s narrative is exemplary in the way the actors reactions are caught on screen; the look on Rick’s face as he first sees Ilsa, the way Ilsa’s face catches the light as Rick speaks his final words to her in the airport hangar. Added to this is a script full of memorable, if oft-misquoted, quotes, including: “I think is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”, “Here’s looking at you kid”, “play it (again), Sam” and ‘we’ll always have Paris”.
In hindsight it is interesting to think that Casablanca did not originally make the waves it does today. Oddly enough, Casablanca was actually an ‘Independent Film’. Hard to believe but very true. Nobody wanted to make it, actors had to be bought cheaply, Paul Henreid was loaned to Warners against his will. There exists much correspondence between the producers and Warners, arguing over financial support. It is clear that Warners perhaps wish they had never agreed to make the film, thinking it more trouble than it was worth.
There is no doubt as to Casablanca’s legacy, it’s imagery standing immortal in film iconography. But don’t all its elements pale in comparison to modern day film? Well, maybe that is the answer. Maybe it was the first of its kind… the first Hollywood film not to have a happy ending? Maybe it was just a well made film? Either way it has entrenched itself firmly into cinema history and with it the audiences hearts.
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