“Play
it again Sam”, a line that ran through my head over and over again as I watched
the film Casablanca. Going into the movie knowing nothing of the sort, having
no expectations for
a classic black and white film, I was amazed at how powerful this film ended up
being. Just as classic as any other love story with a twist of wartime
conflict, Bogart was outstanding once again. “ No one making Casablanca thought
they were making a great movie”, Roger Ebert on Casablanca was one hundred
percent correct. Viewing the film in its entirety, one can notice how low
budget the film actually was. From the camera angles to the shades of lightness
and darkness or the time length of the film, it can be assumed that this film
was put together in a rush to satisfy loyal viewers or the pockets of actors
and actresses that were possibly going broke at that time. Regardless, actors
like Bogart, Henreid, and Rains, and the beautiful actress Ingrid Bergman made
this film a remarkable piece of work.
From
the beginning of the film to the end, the production team and its
actors/actresses did a great job displaying the current events that have taken
place during the 1940s. With the world at a frenzy and German soldiers strong
grasp on Europe, the only hope of survival and chance of a decent life was to
flee to Casablanca in hopes of obtaining a “letter of transit” in order to seek
refuge in America. Rick Blaine (Bogart) by means of unexpected events obtains
two letters of transit in which at that time he has no intentions on using due
to his troubled past in America. Blaine a cold hearted individual, yet a well
respected club owner and businessman never “stuck his neck out for nobody””
minding his own business but constantly dwelling on past events. This
“selfishness” would not last long because once learning the news that his long
lost love Ilsa Lund (Bergman) has arrived in Casablanca old feelings and
routines start to resurface. Learning through flashbacks, we find out the true
love connection between Blaine and Ilsa and the heartache Blaine faced which
only left a deep hole in his heart.
Lighting
by far was a major attribute in the production of this film. Constant darkness
and shadows displaying the dramatic theme of the movie and the heartache each
character has felt. This film centered around World War II at its darkest time
and the films setting, shadow, as well as the close up and distant shots of the
main characters helped to depict sorrow and romance all in one. A great example
of lighting in the film was Blaine and Ilsa first one on one conversation at
night when she went to come clean on why she left him. During this time in the
film the lights were dim and low throughout the background and the only clear
images you could see were that of Blaine and Ilsa. The producers used this
technique to show the seriousness and importance of that particular scene.
Lighting also played a part in the emotion of the film.
After
viewing Casablanca I honestly had to go back and watch it a second time. I was
extremely impressed by the movie and production itself but also the acting. I
often talk to my father (classic movie lover) about today’s movies compared to
the more modern day movies like this film. He often tells me in a very stern
voice how the acting in today’s movies cant compare to the acting done by
actors like Bogart, Olivier, and Gable, and for once I must agree. Watching the
film I actually felt the love connection between Blaine and Ilsa, even more I
was able to grasp a better concept and understanding of being in love with an individual
that you are not, and will not ever be with.
Works Cited:
· Ebert, Roger. “Casablanca.” Rogerebert.com.
Chicago Sun Times, 15 Sept. 1996. Web. 12 June 2013.
· Berardinelli, James. "Casablanca: A Film Review." TopTenREVIEWS
. 1998. Web. 14 June 2013.
· http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/
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