Abstract This paper reviews the film Casablanca and relates it to film noir. The paper discusses how Casablanca possesses elements of the film noir genre, and analyzes these elements to determine if this is sufficient to render Casablanca as a film noir.
Abstract This paper explains why the 1942 film, "Casablanca", has retained its popularity. The paper discusses the timelessness of the film, its elements of star power, the actors in the film and the film's tone, music and dialogue and how all these elements contribute to the film's ongoing popularity. Also discussed are the themes of love, self-sacrifice & heroism.
From the Paper "Since its release, the black and white film Casablanca has been a perennial favorite film with audiences in movie theatres on TV and video and critics alike. Viewing the film, the reasons for its ongoing popularity are clear. The characters and the actors who portray them, both stars and supporting cast, the tone of the film the music, the sparse and memorable dialogue, the story and themes of love, intrigue, self-sacrifice and heroism resonate with audiences. The film has a timeless quality that guarantees it will not..."
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 discusses the production history of the famous movie "Casablanca", considered one of the greatest love stories of all time. The paper touches upon the origins of the film, the intentions behind its creation, its significant contributions, problems, and resolutions, and includes an overall discussion of production. The paper also provides a critical analysis of the film, including character analyses of Rick, Victor, and Ilsa, a discussion on character development, an analysis of critical scenes, and a look at the topic of love as it relates to the love triangle present in the film. In addition, the paper discusses the underlying theme of the fight against fascism.
Outline:
A Production History of "Casablanca"
A Critical Analysis of "Casablanca"
From the Paper "In the 1940s, the time of production, the Warner Bros. studio that made the film leaned toward cost-efficient, profitable production. They achieved such production by having clearly defined roles for the different people involved in the production of the film. There were different directors with specific responsibilities: the music director created the music, writers wrote the script, and so on. However, the producer of the film, Hal Wallis, played much more than his role in the creation of the film. He, along with Michael Curtiz, the director, guided the creation and filming of Casablanca. "
Abstract This paper examines the portrayal of World War II in "Casablanca" and that of Vietnam in "Platoon". It compares and contrasts the two films. It concludes that "Casablanca" is romance set against the backdrop of a moral war while the question of war's morality is at the core of "Platoon".
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. "
Abstract This paper correlates the film ?Casablanca? to the history of the Second World War. It speaks of isolationism, interventionism, and the evolution of American sentiment toward war and women.
From the Paper "? I stick my neck out for nobody? (Casablanca). This statement made by Rick Blaine sums up the general attitude of the American people at the start of the Second World War. At the time when America was just on the brink of declaring war on the belligerent nations, a chunk of the population still had several qualms about America's entry into the war. People from the civilian sector, the political arena and other sectors were perpetually opposed to the idea of America ever going into war. This popular sentiment of isolationism was reflected in several aspects in history. One was a series of Neutrality acts in the late 1930s, which prohibited America from shipping arms or providing loans to belligerent nations. In addition to this, the senate investigations of munitions industries, in which industries were believed to involved in promoting war, also reflect this opinion of American society (Norton 744)."
Abstract The paper examines the popular classic film "Casablanca" and the mystery and romance of the World War II era. It demonstrates that by analyzing the characters and the plot, the viewers receive a quick lesson on World War II. The author writes that the film is not only historically accurate, but also reveals our loyalties during that time.
From the Paper "The classic movie "Casablanca" was recently named number two on the American Film Institute's ?Top 100 American Films of All Time.? It rightly deserves that acclaim, as it is a story of people caught up in a difficult era and, through carefully created characters, preserves the history of that time. The lure of Casablanca lives in the mystery, romance, and intrigue that moviegoers of the era desired and needed to escape the reality of World War II."
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 gives a brief outline of where, when and who produced the film, "Casablanca". The paper describes the story in the film and describes it as witty, sophisticated and romantic. The paper also relates that the film presents a story of espionage and a classic romantic triangle that is set against a backdrop of war and the conflict between democracy and totalitarianism. Brief descriptions of the main characteres in the film are also provided.
From the Paper "In another scene a couple is trying to win enough money to buy their freedom. The policeman says the woman can earn their way by sleeping with him. To save the woman this indignity and ensure the couple's freedom Rick tells her what to bet on. The couple wins and leaves. The policeman accepts it as a sporting loss. Other ways in which we learn of Rick's scrupulous honesty include the actions of Ugarte, who entrusts him with the letters of transit and Sam, the piano player, who refuses to leave Rick despite the offer of a 100% increase in salary. Ultimately, Rick sacrifices his own personal happiness to support a higher purpose, the cause of freedom. "
Tags: best, picture, nomination, espionage, romantic, triangle, war, conflict, gambling
Abstract In World War II, the alliance of Great Britain and the United States was hindered by Anglophobia. This paper describes the existence of Anglophobia in World War II during the war and specifically the Casablanca conference. Anglophobia represented a widespread prejudice prior to and during World War II. The paper showss that during the Casablanca conference, the prominence of Anglophobia hindered the abilities of the conferees in reaching a decision on the allied objectives for 1943. Yet, after the success of the Casablanca conference and the successful collaboration between the allies during the war, Anglophobia faded away after the war and doesn't exist in its traditional fashion today. The Anglophobia embedded in the allies produced tensions, throughout the Casablanca conference and World War II, which prevailed amidst the common bond between the United States and Great Britain and was detrimental to the success of the alliance.
From the Paper "American columnist Jack Nock viewed Churchill's support of pro-British propaganda being introduced in the United States as "clear proof that we are officially regarded as a nation of manageable half-wits." Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Churchill was asked if he planned to continue the same cautious policy towards the Americans, to which he responded, "Oh! That is the way we talked to her while we were wooing her; now that she in the harem, we talk to her quite differently!" This statement reveals the political nature behind the military alliances that existed and how the leaders of the United States and Great Britain, although suffering from their own personal biases, were able to work together to ensure the completion of the task."
Abstract This paper presents a close look at three classic movies. The author of this paper addresses all "Casablanca", "The Third Man" and "Citizen Kane" and items including photography, movement, editing and sound are all analyzed and critiqued..
An analysis of how the issues of law and justice are presented in works by Martin Cruz Smith, William Shakespeare, Karl Marx, and the film, "Casablanca".
Abstract The 1980's crime novel, "Gorky Park", by Cruz Smith, Shakespeare's "problem" play, ?Measure for Measure,? Marx and Engels's political manifesto, "The Communist Manifesto", and the World War II Warner Brothers motion picture, ?Casablanca?, all ask, at their respective narrative and philosophical hearts, the fundamental human question: What is justice? The paper shows that all grapple with the issue of how best to create a truly just society rather than one that is only superficially just. They ask, for example, whether just men and women or a just system of laws produce fair and equitable societies. Also, whether a fair code of laws or good people attempting to do what is right within any particular moral context is more important. The paper shows that, despite having been produced during different times and for different purposes, these four works form a textual unit that may be analyzed as argument by the critically inquisitive reader. Taken as a whole, this package of textual materials argues that the formulaic construction of law and government are meaningless, and the acts of good human beings alone can construct a truly just society.
From the Paper "Marx and Engels called upon the reader, the member of the working proletariat, to respond to the text out of the outrage of his or her unjust experiences within the capitalist systems. The system must be changed, these authors counsel the reader. However, even these supreme advocates of systemic rather than personal and psychological change, must call forth within the reader a sense of sustained emotional outrage within his or her breast, without which no change would be possible. ?All that we want to do away with is the miserable character of this appropriation, under which the laborer lives merely to increase capital, and is allowed to live only in so far as the interest of the ruling class requires it.? (Chapter 2)"
Abstract This paper discusses the situation of the Allied powers in early December 1941 and the United States' decision to focus on "Europe first," which led, after some opposition from the United States Joint Chiefs, to the North African Campaign. The writer describes the situation in Northwest Africa, which was completely under European, mostly French, control at the time, and explains that the only way into Africa was through one of the few French artificial ports, most notable of which was Casablanca. As the French were less likely to resist American forces than British, Operation Torch was mainly commanded by U.S. officers, notably General Patton. The writer describes the preparations for the assault as well as the assault itself, and concludes that Operation Torch was extremely successful since, with casualties of only about 1% of the landing force, Morocco succumbed in less that four days.
From the Paper "Why North Africa? The British already had a vested interest in controlling the Suez Canal, a vital point for both sides of the conflict. Since the autumn of 1940 the Eighth Army had fought a successful battle against combined Italian and German forces, but the tide was on the brink of turning. Rommel, commander of the German Afrika Korps, was able to retake the initiative after the seizure of Tobruk in June, 1942. This seizure gave him a direct line of supply from the Balkans, through Nazi occupied Crete, and into Tobruk. With this vital life line, Rommel and the Afrika Korps were able in July to punch deep into Egypt, stopping only at El 'Alamein due to thinning supply lines."
