Casablanca - 1942 - Michael Curtiz
If we identify strongly with the characters in some movies, then it is no mystery thatCasablanca is one of the most popular films ever made. It is about a man and a woman who are in love, and who sacrifice love for a higher purpose. This is immensely appealing; the viewer is not only able to imagine winning the love of Humphrey Bogart or Ingrid Bergman, but unselfishly renouncing it, as a contribution to the great cause of defeating the Nazis. –Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, September 15, 1996
In retrospect, perhaps the most widely beloved film ever made is also the most miraculous, a strange case where rounding up "the usual suspects" (contract players, a house director, a stable of writing talent) created a magical alchemy never to be repeated. With so many cooks in the kitchen, Casablanca represents the sort of Hollywood committee-think that's normally considered compromising and pernicious . . . But under the watchful eye of producer/ conductor Hal B. Wallis, Jack Warner's right-hand man, craftsmen were assembled like players in a symphony, sounding just the right notes of romance, patriotism, sacrifice, and escapist entertainment as America delved into WWII. Take away one element, and the whole thing might have fallen apart: For example, the studio initially announced it was casting Ronald Reagan in the lead role, though he was never seriously considered.
—Scott Tobias, The Onion A.V. Club, August 19, 2003
STUDY QUESTIONS
“Here’s looking at you, kid.”—Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), Casablanca (1943)
1. Consider the individual elements of the film mentioned by Ebert and Tobias. Is it true that taking away even one element would greatly compromise Casablanca?
2. Which of the supporting performances really stands out in your mind? Why?
3. Think about some of the film’s most famous (though often misquoted) lines of dialogue. Why do you think these lines are familiar to people who have never seen the movie?
4. Agree or disagree: Casablanca is the perfect date movie. Explain your answer.
In retrospect, perhaps the most widely beloved film ever made is also the most miraculous, a strange case where rounding up "the usual suspects" (contract players, a house director, a stable of writing talent) created a magical alchemy never to be repeated. With so many cooks in the kitchen, Casablanca represents the sort of Hollywood committee-think that's normally considered compromising and pernicious . . . But under the watchful eye of producer/ conductor Hal B. Wallis, Jack Warner's right-hand man, craftsmen were assembled like players in a symphony, sounding just the right notes of romance, patriotism, sacrifice, and escapist entertainment as America delved into WWII. Take away one element, and the whole thing might have fallen apart: For example, the studio initially announced it was casting Ronald Reagan in the lead role, though he was never seriously considered.
—Scott Tobias, The Onion A.V. Club, August 19, 2003
STUDY QUESTIONS
“Here’s looking at you, kid.”—Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), Casablanca (1943)
1. Consider the individual elements of the film mentioned by Ebert and Tobias. Is it true that taking away even one element would greatly compromise Casablanca?
2. Which of the supporting performances really stands out in your mind? Why?
3. Think about some of the film’s most famous (though often misquoted) lines of dialogue. Why do you think these lines are familiar to people who have never seen the movie?
4. Agree or disagree: Casablanca is the perfect date movie. Explain your answer.
1.