Analyzing Micheal Curtiz's Casablanca

1026 Words3 Pages

Casablanca, a 1942 romantic drama directed by Micheal Curtiz and taking place during World War II, pre-Pearl Harbor, captures the complexities of love, sacrifice, moral duty, closure, transformation, and new beginnings. The film lightly touches on the struggle many European refugees face while attempting to flee the area, the North African country of Morocco. In an era where many European countries are under Nazi control, the French territory of Morocco serves as a haven and diverse country of many cultures for refugees escaping the regime. The main characters, Rick Blaine, Victor Laszlo, and Ilsa Lund, are distinct symbols that help portray the realities of wartime. The ending of Casablanca, depicting a heart-wrenching goodbye between two …show more content…

For example, toward the beginning of Casablanca, Rick famously says, “I stick my neck out for nobody,” emphasizing his cold and reluctant personality. Throughout the film, Rick evolves from being a disillusioned bystander, thinking no one can make a difference, to someone willing to take action and find his purpose. His acceptance in helping Ilsa and Victor escape Casablanca shows his development as a character. The film mentions Rick and Ilsa’s past relationship; the pair had been former lovers until Ilsa left Rick at a Paris train station after learning her previous love, Victor, wasn’t dead after all and was hiding near Paris. Rick and Ilsa’s re-encounter opens old wounds and emotions Rick harbored for years, including bitterness and resentment. Despite it all, he lets go of Ilsa so Victor can continue fighting for the resistance movement. Another character who is a corrupt authority figure willing to collaborate with the Nazi regime, Captain Renault, goes through a moral transformation of his own. In the last moments, Rick shoots Major Strasser, a Vichy government official, to prevent any intervention in Victor and Ilsa’s …show more content…

Rick and Ilsa come to terms with their past, prompting Rick to find a purpose while Ilsa reaffirms her commitment to Laszlo and the resistance movement. Their final moments indicate Rick’s sacrifice to let go of Ilsa while putting the needs of war above his personal desires. Lastly, acts of heroism are evident throughout the film. Characters such as Captain Renault, Rick Blaine, Ilsa Lund, and Victor Laszlo can fit the category of heroism. Each character demonstrates an act of heroism. The character that is undeniably the hero of the film is Rick Blaine. Throughout the film, Rick exhibits acts of compassion. One notable scene in which he helps others is when he aids a young Bulgarian newlywed, Annina. In the scene between Annina and Rick, Annina asks Rick about Renault’s reliability regarding obtaining letters of transit. Similar to Ilsa and Victor, Annina and her husband plan to flee Casablanca. However, to obtain the exit visas from Captain Renault, he offers them freedom in exchange for sexual pleasures. Hopeless, Annina seems like this is the only option guaranteeing their

More about Analyzing Micheal Curtiz's Casablanca

Open Document