Fly Away

Casablanca (1942)
Director : Michael Curtiz
Rating : ***...+ 1/2?

Blame my high--perhaps a little too high--expectation: sorry to disappoint and disagree with many Americans who think of this movie as one of the best American classic movies ever, I must say this movie did not impress me as much as I expected.

Mr. D had mentioned that Rick symbolizes America, Captain Renault symbolizes France, and the other German general is obviously Germany. Since this was during the time period of WWII, it portrays the reality within the world of film. People are constantly coming to Rick for help, counsel, etc. This is quite true in that how America was the "counselor/mediator" between the two powers during the WWII. Surprisingly (or not so much?), although this movie was made before the war ended, the end of the movie was the same as how the war ended. This movie surely gave hope and encouragement to Americans during the war.

I found one reference to Claudius from Hamlet in this movie when Rick says "keep him in the concentration camp for years". Although it was just part of his somewhat devious and clever plan, it showed how selfish and cruel people can get in reaching for what they want. Just like how Claudius killed his own brother for power and authority (and Gertrude as well).

This movie also showed the dependence of women on men and their inability to do anything independently. Ilsa, replying back to Rick's plan, said, "you mean for me to go alone?". Why are women such weak figures! bleh. This infuriates me... >[

ANOTHER thing (besides being so dependent and weak and incapable and useless) that seriously disturbed and infuriated me more was how selfish Ilsa was. When Ilsa came to Rick's office that night and they were talking, Ilsa said "we loved each other once" to whatever Rick said (I forgot). When I heard this, I was thinking, "how in the world can you say something like that to someone who still loves you?" But I guess I understand why she might've said that... she loved Rick more than Laszlo and she knew she shouldn't, so she was trying to get rid of her feelings for him... still that was mean. >=[

The lighting and particular angles of the camera make the actors and actress' eyes look teary as though they are crying. The humor in this movie is shown through sarcasm and illogical responses of actors, especially those of Captain Renault. When the young couple said "we'll be [at your office] at 6," Renault says, "I'll be there at 10." Also when Renault finds out that Rick helped the young couple to win the money, he says, "this place is full of gamble" and still takes his winning money. Oh, what a funny guy.

Overall, this movie was not as impressive as I expected. Maybe it's because I decided this movie would be awesome even before seeing it; or maybe it's because I am too used to the recent movie techniques and styles. For whatever the reason, to me, Casablanca was just a movie from the old days.