The movie Casablanca revolves around Rick Blaine, a bar owner in Casablanca. His heartbreak comes when his beloved, Ilsa, cannot flee Paris with him before the Nazi invasion. Rick’s romantic difficulties set the stage for an authentic representation of the World War II era in the film. On a stormy night, Rick is given a letter from Ilsa stating her decision not to accompany him to Casablanca. Recognizing he has been abandoned, he sadly boards the train and embarks on his solitary voyage to Casablanca.
Jim Piper states that films center not only on individuals but also on the relationships they establish (Piper 159). This film centers specifically on Rick’s connections. Rick’s persona can be characterized as someone who has experienced heartbreak and consequently, has grown resentful and seemingly apathetic towards those he interacts with. Yet, there are instances when he does display emotions towards others. A notable relationship that resurfaces is between Rick and Ilsa when he comes across Victor and Ilsa at his bar in Casablanca.
Rick will always remember a painful memory, while Ilsa still holds memories of their time together. However, when Rick discovers the reason why Ilsa left him, his bitterness fades and their love is reignited. In the final scene at the airport, Rick demonstrates his profound affection for Ilsa by granting her and Victor exit visas. He urges her to board the plane to America, advising her that she may not regret it now or tomorrow but eventually she will. Tearfully, Ilsa departs with Victor. The film revolves around Rick and Ilsa’s relationship from beginning to end. It delves into the journey of true love and how it diverges from what most individuals would choose. Unlike others, Ilsa would opt to remain in Casablanca with Rick in an attempt to revive their connection.
In spite of his personal desires, Rick selflessly wished for Ilsa to be reunited with her husband, which demonstrated his profound love for her. Although he longed for a romantic relationship with Ilsa, he ultimately sacrificed his own happiness because he deeply cared for her. Confronted with a difficult choice between his feelings for Ilsa and assisting her and her husband in escaping Casablanca, Rick chose to do what was morally right. Unlike other movies about World War II, Casablanca stood out by shifting the focus away from the war itself and instead highlighting the journey of French refugees as they made their way to the United States.
Every element reflects the time period. According to the source, period films aim to depict various aspects such as people’s lifestyles, values, and their ultimate sacrifices (171). The filmmakers effectively capture and depict the World War II era by incorporating accurate period cars, clothing, hairstyles, and scenery. Men are seen wearing suits accessorized with bow ties and cuff links while officers don appropriate uniforms adorned with medals and patches. They maintain neat hairstyles using gel, featuring side parts and slicked-back looks.
Both men and women in the film are seen wearing hats that were fashionable during the period. The clothing worn by women is elegant and modest, with broaches as adornments. Their hair is styled in pin curls, creating wavy locks that are swept up into sophisticated hairstyles. The cities depicted in the film are remarkably realistic, providing a convincing experience for the audience, as if they were actually there. Flashbacks set in Paris further enhance the portrayal of the era. These flashbacks offer a striking contrast between hurried travel and leisurely voyages. Rick and Ilsa, for instance, traverse Paris by both car and boat, specifically down the Seine river. Even the expressions and dialogue in the film capture the essence of the time period; memorable lines such as “You like war. I like women,” and “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid” stay true to the era. However, the most significant aspect of the story is encapsulated in the line, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” This line perfectly captures the essence of a crucial moment in the plot. Additionally, the French dialogue between Yvonne and the French officer serves as a reminder of the wartime setting. The meticulous design of the city sets fool viewers into believing they were shot on location. At times, the camera even peeks through a wall from a cafe area into Rick’s office. The lighting used on these sets perfectly replicates the lighting conditions outside and inside buildings, including accurate depiction of shadows and dimmer lights.
The outside spotlight from a tall tower in Casablanca shines on the entire city, constantly illuminating Rick’s place and moving in circular motion at his door. This creates the feeling that both the city and Rick’s relationship with Ilsa are constantly under surveillance. In the interior scenes of Casablanca, film noir techniques such as shadows and low-key lighting are prominently used. The dim lamps in Rick’s cafe cast sharp shadows on the figures in the room, enhancing the film noir atmosphere.
In one scene, Rick is depicted as inebriated and melancholic, sitting alone in near-total darkness. Another scene features a solitary lamp placed on a lower table, resulting in peculiar shadows cast upon the faces of those present. At one point, there is a shot solely focused on Rick’s silhouette projected onto the wall. These various elements collaborate to portray an authentic representation of the era. Furthermore, when the spotlight illuminates Ilsa standing in the doorway of Rick’s establishment, she appears angelic. Such lighting enables the viewer to perceive Ilsa through Rick’s eyes.
This text explores the portrayal of romance in a film and raises the question of whether the depiction of the time period is authentic or artificially modified to appear more appealing or romantic. The answer is that it strikes a wonderful balance between both. The movie is a genuine romance set during wartime and is considered a true classic that I would recommend to my family and friends. It serves as an excellent example of how relationships can be central to a film’s plot. For the character Rick, his love for Ilsa becomes his personal journey. By effectively capturing the atmosphere of World War II, the film transports the viewer back in time and allows them to witness Rick’s demonstration of true love.
After suggesting that he and Rick leave Casablanca and join the free French at Brazzaville, Renault’s proposal is met with a response from Rick. This final line, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” continues to resonate in my mind, leaving me curious about the direction of Rick’s relationships and journey. It feels fitting for a sequel to follow!
Works Cited: Curtiz, Michael. Casablanca. Videorecording. Warner Home Video 2000. (1942). Piper, Jim. Get The Picture? The Movie Lover’s Guide to Watching Films. 2nd ed. New York, New York: Allworth, 2008.
