Casablanca
...years many have attributed Casablanca's timeless appeal to the films flawless script, acting, and music; its love triangle in an exotic location in the midst of war, and even life's difficult choices and the sacrifice of doing what is right. However we now live in a time where most of our youth could quote half of Casablanca's famous lines but have never actually seen the movie. They would claim love stories are boring or that a film in black and white would put them to sleep. I must admit I was hesitant to watch the film because of those same concerns. But after watching it I was amazed by what a true work of art it is. The film is far more modern than other films of its time and was able to captivate the imagination of not only people of that generation but of every generation since.
If imitation is the ultimate compliment then this film has received more compliments than any other film in history. It has influenced countless films, and TV shows, and been material for thousands of spoofs in movies and video games. "Play It Again Sam", a film by Woody Allen, is a clear reference to Casablanca and of Ilsa request to Sam. TV shows such as SNL, Moonlighting, Magnum P.I., 227, Miami Vice, The Brady Bunch, and many others, have included plot elements or characters reminiscent of the classic film. Casablanca even shows up in the work of newspaper and magazine comic artists. In 1995 a comic strip called "Mixed Media" poked fun at the final scene of the movie. Titled "If the producers of Dumb and Dumber would have made Casablanca", Rick would say to Ilsa, "We'll always have
uh
that big French city
", to that Ilsa replies, "Well duh!!!"
The Casablanca theme does not stop there. It has also carried over to restaurants, inns, and nightclubs with names, décor, atmosphere, and cuisine reminiscent of the famous film. With Bogart posters, ceiling fans, and piano...
View Full Essay
