Casablanca

Directed by: Michael Curtiz

Screenplay written by: Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch

Play written by: Murray Burnett, Joan Alison








Where do I even start with this movie? If I were forced to make a list of all-time great movies, this one would have to lead the list. It is nearly perfect in every way, and I can't say how many times I've watched it. No matter how many times I watch it, though, I'm still surprised by little details here and there. I've seen it on TV, VHS, DVD, and in multiple theaters (and I'm working on convincing myself that I need the Blu-Ray edition, as well). It is as entrenched in my heart as it is in the culture.

This film is the essential performance by Humphrey Bogart. His presence dominates the movie from beginning to end. He is at times brash, witty, quiet, bossy, contemplative, humorous, romantic, and heartless - all over the course of an hour and forty-two minutes. It is impossible for me to imagine this film with anyone else in the lead, despite stories that he was not the first choice.

The rest of the cast is just as great as Bogart. Ingrid Bergman exposes her character's tortured heart through her eyes and a the pitch of her voice. Claude Rains establishes his Captain Renault as one of the slimiest, most corrupt police officials ever. Even Peter Lorre's brief lines are enough for him to make his character powerful and sympathetic.

With repeat viewings, some of the subtlety of Michael Curtiz's direction has revealed itself as just as important as the performances. For example, when we first meet our protagonist, the audience sees his hands first - holding a cigarette, playing chess, and signing a check. This first moment, before we ever see his face or hear his voice, establishes Rick as a man in control of many things at once - which will play out over the course of the film.  Later, the tension between the characters is drawn out until a flashback sequence (which I usually despise) fills in some of the gaps, while also leaving enough unexplained to keep the audience paying attention.

See this movie.  See it now.