Abstract This paper explains that the appeal of the film "Casablanca" lays not only in its story about the great romance of star crossed lovers, but also in its especially strong story about the appeal and power of friendship between the lead character of Rick and two other characters.
From the Paper "This paper examines what makes Michael Curtiz's film, "Casablanca", such an enduring classic. The simple solid story sets a star-crossed romance against a backdrop that combines an exotic location with powerful sense of danger. The colorful cast includes a wide range of likeable quirky, characters that continue to ring true for modern audiences and pits them against a starkly evil villain. "Casablanca" is a satisfyingly tragic romance but, even more important, a genuinely affecting story of friendship. The film's hero is accused of having a sentimental..."
Abstract This paper examines how, in the film "Casablanca" (1942), Michael Curtiz uses mise en scene through his use of contrasting costume, set composition, and character framing in Paris, Casablanca/Rick's Cafe, and the airport to develop the idea that one must put the past aside to reach success, as Rick does in the film. It looks at how, in order to show the audience the growth of Rick, Curtiz uses three points in time with dramatically different mise en scene. The audience is transported to France to visualize the days of Rick in high spirits with his love, Ilsa, after viewing his blase attitude in Rick's Cafe in Casablanca after he has lost her, and then finally realizing what he must do, not only for his personal life, but for the world at large once Ilsa has come into his life again.
From the Paper "By making contrasts between the scenes of Paris and the scenes in Rick's Cafe; in Casablanca, the director presents the audience with the contrasting sides of Rick. Dressed in a suit with a solid white jacket matched with solid black pants, the audience is now aware that after losing Ilsa, Rick is fighting his own inner-battles. Ilsa, dressed in a solid white dress, contrasts the dark blue pinstripe dress from France to show that she has also changed and is attempting to purify herself. However, her outfit is completed with a large brooch which is gaudy and showy, to put forth a front of wealth and contentment in her appearance. Yet the large size of the brooch signifies that she is concealing how she truly feels, be it in her feelings towards Rick or her fear of the German soldiers."
Abstract This paper explains how the choice of songs and the use of music in the motion picture "Casablanca" adds impact to the film for viewers.
From the Paper "The Michael Curtiz directed film, "Casablanca" is generally considered one of the finest American films ever produced. The film's use of music is but one of many elements that add to the film's impact; a story about war, honor, duty, sacrifice and, most poignantly, love and romance. Rick is the owner of Caf America in French-occupied Morocco. His former love affair with a beautiful woman named Ilsa comes back to haunt him due to her marriage to a leader of the resistance, Victor Laszlo. The song selection in..."
Tags: Ilsa, Rick, As Time Goes By, Le Marseillaise, Germans, Nazis, French, love, romance, sacrifice
Abstract This paper examines how "Casablanca", directed by Michael Curtiz, is a 1942 romantic film set during World War II in the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca. It looks at how it explores the ideals of love and sacrifice in the context of World War Two and how these themes are propagated by the selfless actions of Rick, a cynical night club owner, and Ilsa, who must restrain her love for Rick in order to support her husband, Victor Laszlow.
From the Paper "The costume and make-up of Rick and Victor Laszlow generates a comparison of their different roles in the war and complicates the audience's decision to sympathize with either one of them. Rick is attired in a bright white tuxedo and bowtie. His ensemble is neatly tailored to his body, producing an air of sophistication and strength which separates him from his clients. This costume implies that Rick is an important, masculine figure. Victor Laszlow's more conservative suit depicts his role as a leader. Unlike Rick, he wears a tie, reminding the audience of his practicality and pursuit of purpose. "
