Casablanca (Snap Case)
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Movie Reviews of Casablanca (Snap Case)
Movie Review: A classic summed up in one scene
Summary: 5 Stars
A friend of mine asked me to show him Casablanca about 15 years ago. He seemed to like the film enough until the famous Le Marsailles scene where Paul Henreid's Victor Laszlo rallies the Rick's Cafe Americain crowd (and drowns out the Germans) with a rousing rendition of the French national anthem. At that point my friend sneered with disgust that the scene was ludicrous because the French are a bunch of defeatist cowards who would never show such blatant resistance. I tried to explain to him both the historical context and the importance of the scene to the film. He wouldn't have it -- his mind was made up. Disgusted, I switched off the VCR and told him that if he couldn't accept that scene, he might as well not watch the rest of the movie. I haven't seen this friend in over ten years, so I don't know if he ever saw the whole film and/or broadened his Bill O'Reilly perception of the French. I certainly hope so.
What's amazing to me is that several other people I've met have questioned the purpose of that scene minus the anti-France diatribe. Some of them see the scene as wartime jingoism. Some of them like the scene but still think it's unnecessary. One girl in my college film class even said that the scene's purpose was solely to "give Paul Henreid more to do." Mind boggling, to say the least.
Up until the Le Marsailles scene, we think we know the characters and their motivations: Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine is a world-wearly cynic who was left embittered by his Ilsa Lund's perceived abandonment -- his past as a gun runner to the Republican forces in Spain seems to be a part of him that is dead and buried; Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa Lund is the woman who has callously deserted our hero for Victor Laszlo, though it is clear she is still in love with Rick; Henreid's Victor Laszlo is a cold and distant person who puts everything, including Ilsa, second to his work; Claude Rains' Louis Renault is an amoral bureaucrat whose own pleasures are his only motivation.
The Les Marsailles scene, however, puts everything into perspective, giving the characters depth as well as foreshadowing what they will do later in the film. The Germans, led by Conrad Veidt's Major Strasser, are singing German military songs when Laszlo commandeers Rick's band and leads them, the patrons and the staff in a chorus of Les Marsailles that drowns out the Germans. Rick doesn't have to order his band to accompany Laszlo in his rendition of Les Marsailles, but he unhesitatingly gives his permission, hinting that his long dormant idealism is still alive and well. It sets up his memorable sacrifice at the end of the film when he gives up the love of his life for the greater good.
The audience, likewise, gains a much greater understanding of Ilsa from that scene. Up until that time, the audience is tempted to wonder why she would leave Rick for this activist who puts his cause above everything, including her. She may still love Rick, but when she gazes at Laszlo during the scene, it's clear that not only does she love him as well, she also believes in his cause and admires the passion and fervor he brings to his work and beliefs. Suddenly, the audience realizes why it's not so easy for Ilsa to simply go back to Rick and why the decision is so difficult for her.
Laszlo suddenly becomes worthy of competing with Rick for Ilsa's affections. As much as we root for Rick, we also realize during this scene that Laszlo is a true hero who, unlike Rick, has never lost his passion and idealism despite the horrors he has been put through and witnessed. For the first time, the audience begins to wonder if Ilsa should really choose Rick over Laszlo. Later, when Rick initially denies the letters of transit to Ilsa so she and Laszlo can escape, the audience's sympathies have turned 180 degrees from the beginning of the film. We begin to see Rick as somewhat selfish for letting his own desires get in the way of the cause. When he comes to his senses and not only gives Ilsa and Laszlo the letters, but gives up Ilsa as well, we know that it's the right decision.
Louis' later conversion to the side of right and virtue isn't as blatantly foreshadowed in the Les Marsailles scene. However, when the Germans are singing their military songs, he does register pronounced disgust with what he is hearing. He half-heartedly fights Major Strasser's later order to shut down Rick's, saying lamely that "everyone is having such a good time." However, he has made clear with his earlier expression of disgust that he detests the Germans and goes along with their orders out of convenience and not idealogical agreement.
Without the Les Marsailles scene, Rick goes from cynic to idealist without any explanation, Ilsa's indecision is inexplicable, Laszlo seems unworthly to take Ilsa from Rick and Louis goes from appeaser to resistor without any warning. The story just wouldn't work without it. The scene switches the focus of the story from lost love to supporting the greater good. It's emotion rivals that of the final airport scene and is absolutely critical to Casablanca. It's so important to the story that I think that the film wouldn't have become the classic it is without it.
In 1981, Harry Reasoner produced an excellent segment for 60 Minutes on Casablanca. He pointed out that when Casablanca was released, the Germans did occupy France as well as large parts of Africa, including Casablanca. This wasn't a period piece about events from a long time ago and the emotions portrayed in the Les Marsailles scene were very fresh and very current at the time Casablanca was being filmed. Not only is it absolutely critical to the plot, but it is also a snapshot of the feelings and passions of that time as it was happening. I hope that those who dismiss the scene can go back and, with some deepened perspective, can understand both why the Les Marsailles scene is so important to Casablanca's greatness and what it tells us about what 1942 America's beliefs and feelings were. It might give renewed perspective on our own conflict in Iraq. At the very least, I hope it convinces my friend that the French aren't really so bad after all.
Movie Review: Cinema par Excellence!
Summary: 5 Stars
Michael Curtiz's "Casablanca" opens on maps while a narrator gives a detailed exposition of the many twists and turns of Casablanca in the French Morocco, as a refugee route from wartime Europe...
The Nazi envoy, Major Heinrich Strasser puts it: 'Human life is cheap in Casablanca." Of course because a man may be executed in its crowded market before Marshal Pétain's portrait or where a charming girl may guarantee an exit visa by spending her night with the Prefect of Police...
Rick's Café is the point of intersection, the espionage center, the background for Allied offensive, the focal point as refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe seek to gain exit visas to Lisboa... It is a remarkable place full of adventurers, international traders, informers, spies, opportunist Vichy Police, German officers, all rounded out by a superb black singer-pianist Dooley Wilson, the excellent Sam, Rick's only trusted friend...
The interesting club so well organized, leads to an open arena of conspiracy, counterspies, secret plans, black market transactions, in which the games and fights are between arrogant Nazis, patriotic French, idealists, murderers, pickpockets and gamblers around a roulette wheel, where a ball could rest on Rick's command against the settled number 22...
"Casablanca" is an adventure film which victory is not won with cannons and guns... The action, the fight, the war takes place inside Rick's walls rather than outside...
But who is this Rick? What is his magical power? His secret weapon? Rick is the anti-fascist with hard feelings, the former soldier of fortune who has grown tired of smuggling and fighting, and is now content to sit out the war in his own neutral territory... Even loyalty to a friend doesn't move him as he refuses to help Ugarte, a desperately frightened little courier who is fleeing from the police...
Emphatically, Rick says, "I stick my neck out for nobody." But we know he will do just that in a very short time, for into his quiet life comes a haunting vision from his past, the beautiful woman he still loves and bitterly remembers... She is married to an underground leader and she desperately needs those papers Rick conveniently now has in his possession... The cynical Rick's facade of neutrality begins to weaken as he recalls the bittersweet memories of his past love affair, memories triggered repeatedly when the strains of "As Time Goes By" come from Sam, his piano-playing confidante...
But "Casablanca" basic message is a declaration of self-sacrifice... War World II demanded all! The words stated by Rick at the airport had their impact: 'The problems of three people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.' It goes without saying that Bogart is incomparable when he seems most like himself... His way with a line makes "Casablanca" dialog part of the collective memory: 'I remember every detail. The Germans wore gray. You were blue.'
Intermixed in this intrigue are all the fascinating and beautifully acted supporting roles... With his customary skill, Claude Rains plays Major Renault, a prefect of police who is like Bogart in many ways... He, too, claims neutrality, but is definitely against the Nazis... He is Rick's most devoted adversary, tauntingly calling the man a "sentimentalist" and delivering his share of cynically amusing lines... When he makes a small bet and is encouraged to make a bigger one, he remarks that he is only a "poor corrupt official."
Ingrid Bergman is fascinating as the lovely heroine, the mysterious impossible woman of an impossible love, the tender mood of every man, the love-affair, the quality of being romantic, the traditional woman enclosed by two rivals, symbol of a besieged Europe...
Paul Henreid is Victor Laszlo, the anti-Nazi resistance leader, seeking in Morocco the two letters of transit signed by General De Gaulle...
Sidney Greenstreet is the black marketeer on good terms with Rick, the rival owner of the 'Blue Parrot,' the acceptable face of corruption...
Peter Lorre is Ugarte, the racketeer, the dealer of anything illegal, the killer, driven into a corner by the Vichy police, who has given Rick two letter of transit...
Conrad Veidt is the very essence of German rigidity, unfeeling, unconcerned about life, but firmly believing in the foolish ideology of his Nazi compatriots...
"Casablanca" covers many highlights: The Marseillaise against the Horst Wessel song inspiring sequence; the blissful days in Paris; Ilsa's emotional words to Rick in occupied Paris; the champagne toast; Ilsa's request to Sam; the poetry of the magic words and the beautiful voice of Dooley Wilson; Captain Renault's words in the airport; and the farewell...
The magic that developed from the teaming of Bogart and Bergman is enough to make a new romantic figure out of the former tough guy... To his cynicism, his own code of ethics, his hatred of the phoniness in all human behavior, he now added the softening traits of tenderness and compassion and a feeling of heroic commitment to a cause... They helped him complete the portrayal of the ideal man who all men wished to rival...
One can look at hundreds of films produced during this period without finding any whose composite pieces fall so perfectly into place... Its photography is outstanding, the music score is inventive, the editing is concise and timed perfectly... Bogart's and Bergman's love scenes create a genuinely romantic aura, capturing a sensitivity between the two stars one would not have believed possible...
"Casablanca" is a masterpiece of entertainment, an outstanding motion picture which brought Bogart his first Academy Award nomination (he lost to Paul Lukas for "Watch On the Rhine") and won Awards for Best Picture of the Year, Best Director and Best Screenplay...
Movie Review: Just another positive opinion.
Summary: 5 Stars
A vast majority of filmgoers have acclaimed "Casablanca" as a classic. The small minority usually dislikes it for the black and white photography, the long since deceased stars, the lack of car chases and the characters bad habits (Drinking and smoking were very common in the 1940's). Many of the scenes in this film have also become so paroided that people have probably seen the spoof before they see the actual scene (Don't get this film's ending confused with the `alternate version' used on the "The Simpsons"). I do agree with the majority vote, but I do so for a reason as well. Here is a list on "What makes 'Casablanca' a classic". Values. This film shows that there are causes worth fighting for and that are worth sacrificing for. You have to take a stand on what you know is right and wrong, even if it means giving up something valuable to you or giving up your life
Patriotism. Though not all of us think of "La Marseilles" as our national anthem, that scene in the movie reminded us that pride in one's country could be a most powerful weapon. If I were in the same room with Osama Bin Laden, I would torture him by singing "The Star Spangled Banner".
Characters. Many words have already been written about Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund. What about Paul Heinreid as Victor Lazlo, Claude Rains as Captain Renault or Conrad Veidt as Major Strasser? What about Sydney Greenstreet as Senior Ferrari, Peter Lorre as Ugarte, Dooley Wilson as Sam and S.Z Sazkall as Carl? Each of these characters has an important part and-Along with the ones discussed in the next paragraph-only add to the film.
Authenticity. The actors and extras in this movie are able to create a convincing environment that resembles French Morocco, unlike some films at the time which made up white actors to unconvincingly look like foreigners. This can be attributed to the large number of refugees that fled to America at the time. Many of the people in this film went through the same experience of running away from their homelands as their characters in this film do, further adding depth to the film. Some people in the audience can also relate to the events and experience these persons go through, like running away from home and having to stay on your feet or watch your back every minute.
The screenwriters on this film (Julius and Philip Epstein and Howard Koch) were responsible for the great dialogue and scenes that are affecting, hilarious and dramatic, sometimes all at once. But it was the director (Michael Curtiz) and actors who avoided making them throwaway lines. For example, after Rick shoots Major Strasser, Captain Renault states "Major Strasser has been shot", than takes a glance at Rick as he decides what to do. Than he says "Round up the usual suspects" to the guards. The line would have still been good if he had said it immediately afterward, but it wouldn't have been so emphasized.
Another thought I had was in the feelings Rick and Ilsa have for one another. Though, when they were in Casablanca, they still had something for each other, the fire wasn't as intense as seen during the Paris flashback. It's also possible that Rick and Ilsa might have only slept together in Casablanca so Ilsa could get Rick to help her and Victor. Certainly a far cry from the way it was in Paris. If the film had ended with Ilsa leaving Victor for Rick, Ilsa would not only be in danger but she and Rick might not have been as happy with one another (Not to forget that the film would be regarded today as a message to leave your spouse for someone you had a one night stand with).
Finally, this movie is just so darn fun to watch. But while it works at straightforward value, many people have nevertheless come up with unusual interpretations. One has the film being a political allegory of the time, with Rick as FDR ('Casa Blanca' is Spanish for 'White House'). Another idea has the ending being a gay fantasy, with Rick dumping Ilsa to have an affair with another man, that being Captain Renault (Bogart does have more screentime with Rains and there is the line "Rick is the kind of man that, if I were a woman, I shall be in love with Rick"). The best thing that can be said about both theories is that they are creative.
No movie, in my opinion, is absolutely perfect. There is also no `Greatest movie of all time' in my view.
However, "Casablanca" does come close to being both. This film also achieves something that few movies do: It improves with age. Indeed, as time goes by, I will enjoy returning to Rick's more and more.
Movie Review: Play it again, Sam...and again and again
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been told that I am fascinated with a "mediocre" movie. I'm talking about Casablanca, the 1942 classic starring Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine), Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund), Paul Henreid,(Victor Laszlo), Claude Rains (Captain Louis Renault).
Detractors may say what they will but Casablanca is a classic, a one of a kind gem, a happy collection of talent and circumstance that happens once in a life time.
Casablanca has at least this much in common with Shakespeare: much of the dialog has become a part of the language. Phrases like: "...here's lookin' at you, kid" and "I stick my neck out for nobody" have become a part of our heritage while "...round up the usual suspects" inspired a movie of its own. Likewise, Casablanca'swit would make Oscar Wilde proud. For example: "I don't mind a parasite; I object to a cut rate one." Also --Rick tells Renault that he came to Casablanca for the waters. Renault objects that Casablanca is in the desert. "I was misinformed", Rick replies. The most famous quote of all is one that was never uttered in Casablanca: "Play it again, Sam." The actual exchange was:
SAM: Leave him alone, Miss Ilsa. You're bad luck to him.
ILSA: (softly) Play it once, Sam, for old time's sake
SAM: I don't know what you mean, Miss Ilsa.
ILSA: Play it, Sam. Play "As Time Goes By."
And that brings up the music. It is the music --as much as the improbable cosmopolitan atmosphere, the smart white jackets and bow ties, the Nazi threat --that conjures up our nostalgia for a past we never knew and perhaps never was. As Time Goes By is not the only standard made timeless by its use in Casablanca. Sam is playing and singing "It Had to be You" as we enter Rick's Cafe Americain for the first time.
Still, critics will tell you Casablanca is a mediocre movie. Mostly notably, Humberto Eco [From: Signs of Life in the U.S.A.: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers, Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon, eds. (Boston: Bedford Books, 1994) pp.260- 264] wrote: ". It is a comic strip, a hotch-potch, low on psychological credibility, and with little continuity in its dramatic effects."
Now having told us that it is mediocre Eco goes on to tell us why it is great:
"It opens in a place already magical in itself -- Morocco, the Exotic -- and begins with a hint of Arab music that fades into La Marseillaise. Then as we enter Rick's Place we hear Gershwin. Africa, France, America. At once a tangle of Eternal Archetypes comes into play. These are situations that have presided over stories throughout the ages. But usually to make a good story a single archetypal situation is enough. More than enough. Unhappy Love, for example, or Flight. But Casablanca is not satisfied with that: It uses them all. The city is the setting for a Passage.... The passage from the waiting room to the Promised Land requires a Magic Key, the visa. ...But eventually we discover that the Key can be obtained only through a Gift -- the gift of the visa, but also the gift Rick makes of his Desire by sacrificing himself For this is also the story of a round of Desires, only two of which are satisfied: that of Victor Laszlo, the purest of heroes, and that of the Bulgarian couple. All those whose passions are impure fail."
Eco's language is familiar to anyone who's read Joseph Campbell. These ideas influenced a generation of film makers --most notably George Lucas and Steven Speilberg. Quite simply, Casablanca speaks to us with the same force and with the same authority as the Arthurian Legends of whom Winston Churchill wrote: "If they are not true, they ought to be."
My own reasons for loving Casablanca are simpler but sufficient at least for me: I'm a sucker for "As Time Goes By"; I wanna take on and defeat the Nazi Reich whenever I hear the La Marseillaise; I can't look at Ingrid Bergman without falling in love.
What more do you want from mere celluloid?
Critics will always be held at bay by films like Casablanca. Pointing up its mediocrity they merely prove its lasting greatness. Someday you'll understand that. Not now. Maybe not tomorrow. But soon and for the rest of your life! Here's looking at you, kid.
Movie Review: Jewish exodus from Europe.
Summary: 5 Stars
The African city, Casablanca has become a refuge point for rich European attempting to escape to America. Casablanca is Morocco's biggest city and chief port. Rich Jewish family emigrate To France, Canada, United States, and Israel. The fees for travel passage came in the form of bartered Jewels, cash payments, and favors. The Rick's casino provided a network venue too arrange passage out of the country.
Rick and Ilsa were lovers in Paris. Rick did not know that Isla was the wife of Victor Laszlo, a famous Anti-Nazi hero. Isla failed too disclose her marriage with Laszlo too Rick. Isla felt it was too dangerous to tell Rick about her marriage too Laszlo because he had become an important public figure speaking out against the evils of Nazism.
Isla met Rick after the Nazis had captured Laszlo and put him in a Jewish prison camp. Ilsa heard rumor that Laszlo was dead and about that time ran into Rick. Isla fell in love with Rick. Meanwhile, Laszlo manages tooescape from the prison camp and reunite with Ilsa. Laszlo escape has made him famous and also wanted by the SS. Laszlo and Ilsa decide too secretly leave France. Rick is unaware and feelings of betrayal.
Years later, prior too WWI, in the early 1940s, the Isla and Laszlo arrive in Casablanca and begin negotiating for air passage into America. Laszlo has become famous and hated by the SS and they want desparately to capture him. Laszlo has gambled on the fact that Germany has not occuppied Casablanca and will receive protection for the local authorities. However, their are SS military men everywhere and they socialize the night clubs. Major Strasser and Captain Renault are devising a scheme to capture Laszlo. Laszlo's secret meetings are revealed and the SS have reason now to capture him without local authority interference. Rick has a 10,000 franc bet that Laszlo will escape and helps ensure his bet will not be spoiled.
Ricks night club gets shut down. In one episode, the SS men are loudly singing Nazi patriotic songs and this annoys Laszlo, the leader of the freedom movement. Laszlo takes the opportunity too intrupt the singing with music from the club band which infuriates Maj Strasser, who orders the night club, shut down. Rick realizes he can survive only two or three weeks before losing his staff too competitors. To keep his employees he converts everyone too salary and starts pulling string to get his establish - open for business.
The casino winnings can be manipulated. Rick helps one patron, whom he has Godfathered by telling him, twice to place money on the number 22. After the patron wins a huge sum of money, Rick instructs the individual to turn in all his chips for cash and leave for America.
Isla secretly mets Rick at the Club. Rick discovers Isla still has a flame for him. Rick is the owner of the casino and Godfather of dealers. Ferriri requests a favor from Rick. Ferriri wants Rick to keep in possession certain travel papers which he hopes to sell for a handsome profit. The papers are exchanged and the SS realize Signor Ferrari has been patroning the night club. Ferrari is captured and imprisoned by the SS.
Isla and Victor need the papers to escape to America. Rick refuses too sell Victor the travel papers. Rick wants Victor to ask his wife, why Rick is begrudging the sell of the papers. Isla does not disclose her affair with Rick and instead goes to him and discloses her love for him. Isla has a passionate fire for Rick telling him that she still loves him, but remains out of duty a wife for Victor. Isla wants Rick to "think for them", because she can not control her feelings for Rick. Victor deduces that Rick had an affair with his wife, but does not confront Rick because he needs Rick for escape. Rick decides that relationship ended in Paris. Rick uses his friendship with the Captain too help Victor and Isla escape. The Major intercepts the fleeing part and Rick kills him. Rick and Isla escape.