Casablanca

Casablanca

Director: Michael Curtiz

Year: 1942

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt and Peter Lorre

     I've often said that romance has no place in war movies. Casablanca is an exception. To call this film a war movie is technically inaccurate. It's really a romance-drama that happens to take place during World War II, but the war plays a significant part. It could literally go either way. Nevertheless, it's got Humphrey Bogart, so it really doesn't matter if it's actually a war movie or not. 

     Bogart gives an excellent performance in what I would consider his career-defining role. He plays Rick Blaine, an American running a nightclub called "Rick's Café Américain" in Casablanca, Morocco. The club attracts many individuals, including the locals, fellow Americans, and even members of the German Army occupy the bar. It almost reminds you of the cantina scene in Star Wars, only without the many different aliens. 

     Rick is a complicated character, and Bogart's performance gives you that impression right off the bat. Without saying anything, you  have a feeling there is more to the character than he lets on, and the supporting characters make reference to this, albeit in casual passing, and it creates a mystery about him. It's not until Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa Lund character enters the bar, and it all makes sense. You know these two are connected somehow, and the film gradually explores their past, eventually using a flashback explaining their prior relationship. 

     Bergman and Bogart are easily the most memorable part of the entire film. Their chemistry is flowing, and the two play off each other really well. Casting can make or break a film, and there's something about Bergman and Bogart that just really works. You really start feeling for these characters. It's a shame that Ingrid Bergman was passed over that the Academy Awards, as she's just as effective as Bogart. 

     The film has become iconic, and a classic of Hollywood cinema. Mad Men's Don Draper is very similar to Bogart in this film, as they both play two characters torn between two different ideas (It helps that they look the same) and Bogart reminds you that you didn't need to be an 80s action star to look bad ass. The film has had a lasting impact, even today, as the memorable lines, the performances and the overall story will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.