Casablanca: Screening Report

1)    Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

Along with Citizen Kane and the Godfather, Casablanca has over time been regarded as one of the best films of all time.  Although released around the same time as Citizen Kane, this film hit and emotional soft spot in audiences because it hit close to home.  Casablanca was released during a hard time in the world, World War II had broken out and everyone was on edge.  Stories from what was going on in Europe disgruntled everyone, and those who were living through it wanted an escape.  And their escape was America.  But to get to America they first had to get to Moroccan city of Casablanca, the final stop before refugees can finally get to America.  This movie takes place right in the middle of the war.  Which hit close to home.  During that time all you would hear on the news would be stories coming out of Europe and how life was over there.   The stories of war and escape are stories that we have read in books and this movie shows the struggles and challenges many faced while trying to escape a Nazi Europe to America.

            This movie was also released at a point where studios were using their power and influence in the movies theatres were playing.  Studios would make big blockbuster films that were guaranteed to make a lot of money but would also make B-list movies and force theatres to play them alongside the big budget movies.  It was a 2 for 1 special.  Casablanca was the one of the two.  Although not made for greatness, Casablanca would go on to be a classic movie in film history.  Upon its released although not critically acclaimed the film did receive a number of good reviews.  And eventually was nominated for 8 Academy Awards winning three including Best Picture.

2) Find a related article (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) and summarize the content.  You may use the library or the internet.

            Casablanca was another film that was shot in black and white but the lack of color just added to the sentiment and emotion of the movie. And although it was not as successful when it was first released, it has since then become a classic.  According to Jeffrey Sheban, author of “After 70 years, ‘Casablanca’ still thrills movie audiences” calls the film “one of the world’s most-watched films” and describes how even though the movie is over 70 years old it still attracts audiences.  (Sheban, 2012)

            In 2012, Casablanca returned to theaters for movie lovers to re-watch the beloved classic.  And many are still enamored by the movie as audiences were back in 1942.  Some comments made about the movie ““I am pretty nuts about it,” ““I usually watch it four times a year..,” and ““I can’t not watch it.”.  The article goes on to point the strong following Casablanca has had over the years. (Sheban, 2012)

Despite the “Hollywood” treatment Sheban points out that Casablanca was not portrayed accurately. (Sheban, 2012)  He described Casablanca in 1942 as the “jewel of the French colonial empire, famous for luscious art deco and neoclassic architecture” (Schemm 2012).  But it producers basically depicted what most Americans assumed the Middle East or more accurately Africa would look like.

The article then takes a look at the numerous now famous one-liners the movie has created stating “many memorable lines from the movie have worked their way into popular culture.” (Sheban 2012) Some one-liners include “Round up the usual suspects,” “We’ll always have Paris,” and “Here’s looking at you, kid,” "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." (Sheban, 2012). He even goes as far to clear up a misquotation that we have supported for over seventy years.

“Play it again, Sam” is a famous misquotation. Bergman’s character, Ilsa Lund, tells piano player Sam (Dooley Wilson): “Play it, Sam. PlayAs Time Goes By.”

                                                                                                (Sheban, 2012)

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

            The article was very interesting did not change my opinion about the movie, but it does clarify for me the legacy of the film.  This article does show how in many ways the film has a strong following.  From the storyline that many can relate to, to a Hollywood version insight to the struggles of those in the middle of the war trying to escape and flee to America.

            In an unusual mix of elements combined do make Casablanca a classic.  With scenes that can be remembered clearly, lines that are still comment and said today, and reactions to the film as if it was released yesterday makes for a long lasting legacy movie.  This film not only told a story that although made for Hollywood did have some bits of history in it but it helped turned the real Casablanca city into a tourist attraction.  The movie has had such a lasting effect that people that have not watched the movie before know what it is and how big it is.  Casablanca has had such a cultural impact on society, it is a movie that no matter your age you see it and you can get a different reaction but still and admire for it.

            The article really touches on most of the cultural impacts the film has had on a new generation. Most of the original audience of Casablanca has probably already passed on so the new generations of audience still love the film.  The article also touches on the cultural impact in Casablanca and how even though in the film the city was portrayed differently it still helped the city.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article. 

            Casablanca is a film that will be loved by audiences and critics alike for generations to come.  The strong following of the film just speaks volume about how a simple love story can touch so many heartstrings.  A film that for decades has been quoted and misquoted. It is a film that has impacted our culture very deeply.

            Although not every opinion on the movie is echoed everyone does react differently in my opinion that movie takes too long to get to the point and throughout the whole film I felt like I wanted more or the something more was about to happen but every time I was let down.  Besides my humble opinion, the film has a life of its own in the film industry.  It is a classic that people love to watch over and over again. It is one of those movies that some shows like to recreate scenes from.  A film that many have quoted including some quotes that I personally did not know came from the movie so that was refreshing to see.  Like many throughout history, Casablanca is a pop culture phenomenon but unlike the others it keeps on playing.  So play it, Sam!

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 

4) (  x) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 

6) (x  ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 



Name: ______________Juan Ortiz___________________  Date: ______3/30/14____________

Reference:

Sheban, Jeffrey. "After 70 years, 'Casablanca' still thrills movie audiences." The Columbus Dispatch. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.<http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/03/20/on-that-you-canrely.html>.

Schemm, Paul . "'Casablanca' | Classic film's legacy still evident in port city." The  Columbus Dispatch. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.  <http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/travel/2012/12/02/1-classic- films-legacy-still-evident-in-port-city.html>.