Casablanca is an ode to a romance between disgruntled bar owner Rick and his old flame Ilsa. Known for its stand out script, memorable lines (ex: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”) and all star cast and crew, this film continues to make a deep impression on Americans. The film has also raised many questions about the intentions behind the plot. Many ask themselves if this story was an allegory to World War II or simply a romance captured on film. After watching this film and conducting some research of my own I have come to the conclusion that this film definitely has political commentary pertaining to America’s involvement in World War II. These are my reasons:
1) The timeline is sufficient for this claim – Casablanca originally premiered in November 1942 and was screened nationwide in January 1943. Pearl Harbor was bombed in December 1941. This gap allowed screen writers the perfect amount of time to create a complex, yet entertaining story that would display political expediency.
2) Rick was highly indifferent to the politics that surrounded him at the opening of the movie. After hearing about Victor Lazlo – who had just escaped a concentration camp – he explicitly stated his indifference. “I have no sympathy for the fox and understand the point of view of the hound too,” he said. He also stated at one point that politics was not his business, rather, it was running a saloon. His change of heart is a clear illustration of the change in opinions of Americans at the time; transitioning from disregard for the war to a Rosie The Riveter hyped society. The general consensus on the war for Americans prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor was neutrality. This transition was due in large part to America’s dependence on propaganda – such as news reels, flyers and movies – to help form their opinions.
3) Rick’s character development suggests admiration and support of the Allies. He establishes an alliance with Captain Louis Renault – once pro-Vichy turned advocate of free France – who openly shows his allegiance when covering for him at the air field. Together, their friendship symbolizes anti-Nazi views.
4) In allowing Ilsa to leave, Rick symbolically commits to the fight against Nazis, Fascism and all other representations of the Axis powers, casting love aside for the “greater good.”
Like many allegories of its day, Casablanca is a film that cleverly disguised its political commentary. It not only gained critical acclaim, but like a snake in the grass managed to impress certain values upon its viewers.
Some interesting points about the film. The film would support the Allies because of Pearl Harbor and the American war effort. WWII was not an unpopular war.
ReplyDelete