Ali Romanias' Casablanca Blog

              Before watching Casablanca, I was sure that I would have no interest in the film. The old black and white films have never been something that attracted me. I just always assumed that they would never make sense to me since they were made such a long time ago, but I was wrong! I also never really paid much attention to what goes into making a film, but now that I know a little more about it I can understand how and why films are put together in the way that they are. Small details such as the music or the camera shots make a huge difference, and in Casablanca, I really think they did an amazing job with all of those details.

                I would definitely watch Casablanca multiple times, especially since I am a hopeless romantic. Another reason why, is because when you watch a movie for the second time or third time, you can catch some things that you may not have noticed the first time through. For example, when you see the way that Rick looks at Ilsa for the first time since Paris, your heart will drop. Although at that time you do not know of their past, you can tell by the close-up shots of their faces that they must have had a strong history. Watching that scene again, you automatically feel what they are thinking and you are in shock right along with them. Imagine seeing someone you once loved that you never thought you would see again! The cinematographer did that scene perfectly.

   Every review that I have read through has said nothing but positive things about Casablanca. For a film this old and so well done, I do not think there is anything negative that can be said. In a 50th anniversary review, Charles Champlin talks up the film saying that it is, “a kind of fearless and perfected make-believe that you probably couldn't get away with today.” I agree with this statement because if any director today tried to remake a film like this, they would never succeed the way that Michael Cutiz did with Casablanca. I do not think that there will ever be a film that can match up to Casablanca.

              It is still amazing to me that this was filmed 70 years ago; my grandma was only 15! To me this should seem like a whole other world. Yet when it comes down to it, it is not that different from today at all. Everyone is still acting the same way, and wanting the same types of things. Especially wanting the one you love to be safe even if that means having to be away from them. Watching this movie, I felt so easily entertained and I never got bored watching it. I would most certainly recommend this film to anyone. I now see why everyone claims it is a great classic. Great filming and great movie.