Classic Film Research – Casablanca

Classic Film Research – Casablanca

Michael Curtiz’s 1942 film Casablanca, which has enthralled viewers for decades, is a timeless masterpiece. The movie is set in Casablanca, Morocco, a neutral region governed by Vichy France, during World War II. The narrative centers on the endearing American ex-pat Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart, who runs the nightclub “Rick’s Café Américain.” Love, sacrifice, and the ethical dilemmas of war are among the themes the movie examines. At its foundation, Casablanca depicts the conflict between selfish aspirations and a greater sense of obligation, underscoring the difficulties experienced by people caught up in political upheaval. As the story progresses, Rick is forced to face his past when his ex-girlfriend Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), who is now married to famed resistance commander Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), enters his life. The movie centers on this love triangle, highlighting individuals’ inner difficulties. Casablanca examines the decisions people must make while weighing their ambitions, allegiance, and the common good against these factors in a world at war, eventually focusing on the strength of love and sacrifice in the face of difficulty.

Through the deeds of its protagonists, Casablanca tackles the concept of self-sacrificing love, diving into the moral and emotional meaning of these deeds within the framework of the Catholic religion and ideals. As characters like Rick and Ilsa make decisions that go beyond their interests and embrace higher moral standards, Casablanca inspires viewers to consider the transformational power of self-sacrificing love. Casablanca thoroughly analyzes the moral and emotional implications of such deeds through its portrayal of selfless love. The movie challenges viewers to consider their values and decisions by posing responsibility, honor, and the greater good issues. The portrayal of selflessness in Casablanca resonates well with Catholic beliefs and ideals since it is consistent with those on love, service, and putting the needs of others before one’s own. By inviting viewers to consider the effects of selflessness on morality, relationships, and society, the movie encourages viewers to have a deeper appreciation for the transformational potential of selfless deeds.

Themes, perceptions, and viewpoints explored in analyzing Casablanca’s production go deep into the movie’s historical setting and significance within the larger field of Hollywood cinema. The movie was produced amid World War II, a turbulent historical time. Berkowitz’s article stresses how external factors affect the creative process. The article examines how the movie’s cast, director, and crew, including Michael Curtiz, contributed their varied backgrounds and experiences to create a rich tapestry of thoughts and viewpoints (114 ). The movie’s popularity and ongoing appeal are largely credited to this cooperative approach. A time when many Jewish actors and filmmakers emigrated from Europe due to the rise of Nazism was when Casablanca was produced. This setting influenced how characters were portrayed and how various themes—including sacrifice, resistance, and the misery of refugees—were explored. The movie’s study of universal issues against a particular historical context struck a chord with viewers then, and it does today. In the years after its premiere, Casablanca rose to fame as a classic and a cultural phenomenon. The film’s endearing characters, quotable humor, and timeless ideas are the causes of its ongoing success. Hollywood’s iconic picture, Casablanca, has shaped how most view and enjoy the industry, affecting subsequent movies.

By underlining the relevance of the refugee experience and how it is portrayed in the film, Casablanca transcends the boundaries of a straightforward love narrative. The continuing appeal and cultural importance of Casablanca are covered in the article “Immortal Films: ‘Casablanca’ and the Afterlife of a Hollywood Classic” by Barbara Klinger, with particular emphasis on the film’s examination of the experience of refugees during World War II. According to the article, Casablanca explores complex topics about conflict, displacement, and the refugee crisis. The movie, thematically representative of the difficulties encountered by individuals seeking asylum, is set in Casablanca, which acted as a transit city for immigrants fleeing Nazi persecution (Klinger). Casablanca draws attention to the human struggles and struggles behind the political unrest of the time by concentrating on this aspect. Humphrey Bogart’s portrayal of the role of Rick Blaine is crucial to highlighting the plight of refugees. Rick is first shown as cynical and self-centered, but as the film progresses, Rick’s development depicts the moral complexities and sacrifices made in times of need. As the story goes on, Rick gets increasingly involved with the resistance organization and helps refugees flee to America, illustrating the movie’s examination of empathy and compassion for people in need.

Zoe Hurley’s paper “Orientalist Influence” discusses Orientalism’s influence and possible effects on the film “Casablanca.” “Orientalism” refers to how the East is portrayed and understood and is frequently associated with stereotypes, exoticism, and cultural prejudice. The essay examines how the image of the Orient in “Casablanca” was influenced by the geopolitical environment of the era, particularly during World War II. Casablanca’s significance as a meeting place for many cultures and political interests during the war is highlighted by its representation as a symbolic crossroads between East and West. The movie supports some Orientalist clichés or strengthens how the West views the exotic and enigmatic “Orient.” This is evident in the presentation of the characters and surroundings, which uses Orientalist images and tropes common in Western representations of the East. Stereotypes frequently reduce the complexity of Eastern civilizations to exotic backgrounds or auxiliary characters in the story (Hurley). “Casablanca” reflects the geopolitical situation at the time, when Casablanca was an important strategic hub for the ongoing struggle. This feature, which combines the political and cultural movements of the East and West, strengthens the Orientalist influence in the movie even more. The film’s representation of Casablanca as a melting pot of various nationalities and ideologies is consistent with Orientalist viewpoints, which frequently highlight the conflict and intrigue between Eastern and Western powers. By exploring the Orientalist influence in “Casablanca,” the article sheds light on the film’s representation of the Orient and its potential impact on reinforcing Western perceptions.

In conclusion, Casablanca, released in 1942, directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. It has left an indelible mark on Hollywood and has continued to captivate audiences for decades. Casablanca is a timeless classic that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the difficulties of war in addition to its beautiful storyline. The film gains depth and importance by depicting the experience of refugees, demonstrating the fortitude of people who have been uprooted and the moral responsibility to help those in need. It perfectly exemplifies Hollywood’s Golden Age, including top-notch acting, deft directing, a gripping storyline, and intriguing storytelling. The Catholic faith and beliefs are reflected in Casablanca’s examination of self-sacrificing love, which encourages audiences to consider the transformational power of selflessness. The collaborative nature of the movie’s development, influenced by the World War II era’s historical setting, also contributes to its continuing appeal. Casablanca has profoundly impacted Hollywood film, influencing how people view and value the genre. Casablanca continues to enthrall viewers with its timeless ideas and compelling storytelling, reminding its audience of the enduring power of compassion and sacrifice in the face of difficulty.

Works Cited

Berkowitz, Michael. “On Isenberg’s We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie.” Jewish Film & New Media: An International Journal, vol. 7, no. 1, 2019, pp. 114–17, muse.jhu.edu/pub/27/article/759012/summary. Accessed 2 June 2023.

Klinger, Barbara. Immortal Films: ‘Casablanca’ and the Afterlife of a Hollywood Classic. University of California Press, 2022.

Hurley, Zoe. “Orientalist Influence.” ORIENTAL INFLUENCE, Jan. 2023, pp. 95–110, https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-755-820231008. Accessed 2 June 2023.

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Classic Film Research – Casablanca

Classic Film Research Essay

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Assignment Reminders/Directions

This should be a six-paragraph essay with a minimum of 1,000/maximum of 1,200 words. (Work count does not include heading or Citation Page.) do not go over the word count.
There should be three outside resources using MLA parenthetical documentation for in-text citations. The film can be cited but would be considered a fourth source.
There should also be a correctly formatted MLA Works Cited section for those resources.
Reminder: At least one resource must come from an SPC Library Online Database.