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In the 100+ history of cinema, two decades, to me, stand out as the greatest, in terms of visionary achievement and cinematic milestones: The 40's and the 70's. I know, I know, many of you would beg to differ but that's just how I see it. The 40's had a glorious, unique touch to it while the 70's was cluttered with iconic moments here and there. Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz, was released in 1942, thus giving us one of the reasons to love the 40's. The reason why the film is so thoroughly enjoyed is because everyone, and everything, was so damn good. Every performance lived up to the game, every dialogue was worth repeating, every scene had weight in them and every object that changed hands had either a mystery to it or significance. That, and more, is what makes Casablanca a perennial classic, which is still enjoyed today, no matter the time, day or audience. Even the poster is great!
It is also one of the rare few films that employs not only a great cast, but superb performances as well. Take Humphrey Bogart, for example. His performance as Rick Blaine, one of screen's best heroes, is a great example of amazing, dignified acting. He bought a human, understanding depth to his character and a realistic aura to him, a feat only few are capable of achieving, like, let's say, Daniel-Day Lewis. That was icon number one. Icon number two is Conrad Veidt as Heinrich Strasser, the primary antagonist of the film. Prior this film, he was, and will probably will be, best known in The Man Who Laughs. In both the films he played his character to the max. A performance that may not win you over the first time but after repeated viewings, you will come to love it all the same. Icon number 3 is Peter Lorre, who plays Ugarte. He is still best known for playing the serial killer in M. His brief apperance may put a smile on your face, as his performances have always been unnatural, uncanny. Icon number 4 is Claude Rains as Captain Renault, my favourite character from the film. After Bogart, his performance was the best. His flexibility and art of blending in and movement just won me over. Concur or not, but Casablanca wouldn't have reached its iconic status if it weren't for Claude Rains. Then we have Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo. Although I didn't enjoy it as much as the others, it really was quite-well acted. Now, in terms of beautiful, I've only found four actresses to be stunningly beautiful in the original meaning of the word: Helena Bonham-Carter, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman, who appears in this film as Ilsa Lund. There are other beautiful women, yes, but these four I will always rank them higher than anyone. I've always found Bergman to be stunningly beautiful, and probably the most beautiful woman ever to work in Hollywood, hands down. Her mere appearance was quite-distracting I must say. Many a-times I had to rewind back because I, er, forgot to pay attention what the other guy said. I really like her smile a-lot and... *ahem*, I should be getting on with her performance: Well, it certainly was good. Bergman made Lund a sort of a character that I would love to see in other movies. A positive performance.
So, that was it, and sorry for kinda doodling around. Anyway, although not in my top 10 (please, not in the face), it will forever remain as one of my personal favourites - even if I don't say it is. A must watch, a b/w classic!
9.5/10
