Top 10 Movies of 2012

1)Prometheus
2)The Dark Knight Rises
3)The Master
4) Django Unchained
5) Zero  Dark Thirty
6) The Hobbit
7) The Cabin in the Woods
8) Moonrise Kingdom
9)The Grey
10)Lincoln

#10 CASABLANCA

Rick Blane- "I stick my neck out for no one."

Victor Laszlo- "Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win."


When I think of Casablanca there are certain things that just automatically pop into my head. There's the ending, a movie moment so great that I can't think about the greatness of movies without somehow touching it. There's the amazing atmosphere of charm and class at Rick's Club. I think of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, two Hollywood legends who's chemistry together is as good as any one, two punch ever. I think of the brilliant dialogue. It's probably the most quotable movie of all time, and I think of this phenomenal story encompassing all of this, which many believe to be the romance of romances. 



The movie takes place during WWII in exotic Casablanca, a French province in Morocco. Refugees from all around the world have traveled there in the hopes of attaining exit visas to Lisbon and on to America. It is a place brimming over with hope, longing, and desperation. Although it is an unoccupied  French province it is really controlled by The Nazis and soon enough will be occupied by them. So it becomes either a crossroads to freedom or a place to wait and die.

The setting within a setting where most of the movie takes place is at Rick's, a classy Night Club owned by the main protagonist, Rick Blane, played by Humphrey Bogart. This is where everything intersects to begin the drama. This is where the woman who broke Rick's heart runs into him again by sheer chance, and where we first meet Victor Laszlo, a hero of the resistance against The Nazis. We also learn that two German couriers have been murdered and two letters of transit were stolen from them, letters signed by General De Gaul that guarantee safe passage from Casablanca to Lisbon where one can then get a Clipper to America. These documents are absolute gold to anyone on Casablanca. They are salvation and Rick attains them. So you've got an amazing love story that builds throughout the movie between Rick Blane, played by Humphrey Bogart and Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, and you've got another story filled with suspense and intrigue involving Victor Laszlo, played by Paul Henreich who is trying to get to America despite the Nazis desire to prevent it.

One of the reasons this movie works so well is the simplicity of the story. It takes place over just a couple of days, and really focuses on two storylines. There's the love story between Rick and Ilsa, and the intrigue involving Victor Laszlo's fate,  and they both involve the letters of transit. It works in its simplicity because of the romanticism it represents. The movie is about love, sacrifice, honor, and nobility.  The simplicity also works perfectly because there is so much at the disposal of that simplicity. It has big shiny diamonds in Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It has incredible class and style in its atmosphere and because of the simplicity of the story it moves along quickly and smoothly which makes the dialogue keep pop-pop popping, and since the dialogue is pop-pop popping (the very best dialogue) it continues to make this simple story shine. 

We enter Rick's place and the glamour, charm, and non-stop entertainment begins. Right away we hear the piano and see Sam playing "It had to be you." The place is hopping. It's the place to be, and it looks elegant. There's classy lamps, people in attractive attire, smoke is floating around the room, and you can see shadows of exotic plants on the walls. This is where the charm really begins. We follow Carl the Maitre d into the private casino room and get a taste of the great dialogue. 

Woman- Tell Rick to have a drink with us.

Carl- Rick never drinks with customers.

Woman: What makes saloonkeepers so snobbish?

Banker: Perhaps if you told him I ran the second largest banking house in Amsterdam.

Carl: Second largest? That wouldn't impress Rick. The leading banker in Amsterdam is now the pastry chef in our kitchen, and his father is the bell boy.

The camera comes back into the bar and Sam's playing "Who's got trouble." He still sounds great. We see Rick for the first time playing chess with himself and from his table giving the signal for who can and can not come into his casino room.  Then comes the first of many meetings with charming eccentrics.  The camera, like a waiter, keeps going from table to table feeding you morsels of charm and charisma. Its really non-stop. Rick talks with Ugarte, a crook specializing in stolen exit visas, played by Peter Lorre. I remember when I first saw this thinking "Holy shit. He's in this,  and I said it again with the entrance of Sydney Greenstreet later. It's a great scene between Rick and Ugarte where you realize that he's the one with the letters of transit, and that he wants Rick to hold them for him. The camera then follows the entrance of Ferrari, a black marketeer, played by Sydney Greenstreet. Its a short scene but once again its two charismatic actors sharing great dialogue. Soon after this Rick will sit outside the club with the prefect of police, Captain Renault, played by Claude Rains. Captain Renault is corrupt as hell but a true romantic, almost a Don Juan, and all of his scenes are charming and playful. In this meeting Rick learns that Victor Laszlo is coming to Casablanca with a woman and he is not to leave. Here's another example of the great dialogue in this movie. 

Renault- Hello Rick 

Rick- Hello Louis

Renault- How extravagant you are throwing away women like that. Someday they may be scarce. You know now I think I'll pay a call on Yvonne. Maybe get her on the rebound hmmm.

Rick- when it comes to women you're a true democrat.

-------------------------------

Renault- What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?

Rick- My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.

Renault- The waters. What waters? We're in the desert.

Rick- I was misinformed.

Claude Rains needs to be mentioned here. He doesn't outshine Humphrey Bogart or Ingrid Bergman but his performance is probably the greatest in the whole movie. He brings a great deal of the movie's charm. Here are two classically romantic lines said to Ilsa Lund.


1)  Captain Renault- I was informed that you were the most beautiful woman  ever to visit  Casablanca. That was a gross understatement.

2) Ilsa- Who's Rick?

      Captain Renault- Rick is...well if I were a woman and I were not around well then I would be in love with Rick.



I'm going to take a moment to talk about Humphrey Bogart. This movie takes place in the golden era of Hollywood, the 1930's and 40's. This was a time of movie stars, a time when people went to the movies to see someone incredibly glamorous, charismatic, or charming. People went to a Humphrey Bogart picture to see Humphrey Bogart. Stars were  nurtured to be stars, to attract a certain audience, and often the actor or star already had a personal style, flare, beauty, or charisma that was then expanded and radiated on the screen into their characters. Humphrey Bogart was taylor made for this. Many would argue that no one had more personal style in hollywood than Humphrey Bogart. There's no one like him. I think why he is so loved, and why I love him so much is that he has this incredible charm and charisma, and his characters always have this quick wit. But he is the every man. He's not a pretty boy or a golden boy. His characters didn't have wealthy backgrounds or easy childhoods. They fucking earned their place, and they learned how to survive. They can play as rough as they need to and they live by a certain honor code. Bogart plays characters who can survive in the underworld and the cat house. His character is a man's man and a ladies gentleman. They are often cynical but underneath is an honor and a nobility. In simple terms he's the shit.

In Casablanca Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blane, one of my all time favorite characters. He is a man who has been broken by a woman, the love of his life, and has learned to survive by following a motto. " I stick my neck out for no one." "I'm my own favorite cause. "Underneath this is a noble hero. Rick is an ex-patriot who always fought on the side of the underdog. It's in his blood. Even as a cynic with a wall up Rick is magnetic. He says sarcastic, often aloof things, but he does it better than anyone else. Like most Bogart characters he is full of style and wit, tough as nails, and almost impossible to rattle- but for a woman. We love Bogart because he's like the James Bond for the everyman. We want to be like him, have the willingness to dwell in the dark places and charm the pants off the lighter ones. In Casablanca he is like a king. He owns the coolest, classiest night club in Casablanca and anyone who's anyone wants to be there. Not only that but anyone who's anyone wants to meet or be around him. He's the man. In Casablanca you experience the Bogart charm but what seperates this character from his others is the anguish that you see in several scenes as a result of having his heart broken. That broken heart resonates and therefore he resonates. He has a great character arc. He goes from a cynical, broken hearted man to a hero who discovers love again, and sacrifices it for a higher cause. This arc is a big reason why people love this movie.

Now for Ingrid. When Ingrid Bergman came to Hollywood no one could match her. She was sophisticated, elegant, gorgeous, and brilliant. She represented the perfect woman. Audiences fell in love with her. She won three academy awards and is considered to be the female star of her time. In Casablanca she is lit perfectly in every scene and looks radiant and ethereal. When she walks into a room all attention is on her.

So you have the greatest male star of his time and the greatest female star of her time, two beautiful, charming, charismatic presences in a romance together. Of course it's amazing. 

When I think of the love story between Rick and Ilsa I think of several moments:

THE ENTRANCE AND REUNION:

The entrance of Ilsa is one of my favorite moments in the movie. You see Ilsa and Laszlo enter Rick's place and as they pass Sam, Rick's longtime friend and pianist, there is a great reaction from both Sam and Ilsa. Sam goes still and then shakes his head. He knows what this means, and how this will affect Rick. Ilsa has a slight head tilt with an expression that says "Was that Sam? Is this really happening?" Then it's time for Rick to enter. Ilsa has convinced Sam to play "As time goes by", Rick and Ilsa's song in Paris. Rick walks into the room and then walks a little faster with a look of shock and anger on his face. "I thought I told you to never........ Then he sees her. What a moment.


FOUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
AND A LEGENDARY QOUTE!!!

There's a scene in the flashback of Ilsa and Rick's love affair in Paris when they are getting ready to leave Paris. Rick is professing his love to her and talking about their future and she already knows she's not leaving Paris with him. She's staying with Victor Laszlo. There's a sad and guilty look on her face that she's trying to hide. She's trying to pretend to be happy but she puts her fist on the table which knocks a glass over. This mirrors a later scene of Rick pounding his fist on the table in Casablanca.

There's one particular closeup of Ilsa when she's listening to Sam play "As time goes by" and it's one of my favorite moments in the movie. There's so much sadness, regret, and longing in just a few seconds of looking closely at her facial expression. It's mesmerizing. 

Rick is standing in the doorway of the train as it pulls away in Paris. He's read Ilsa's letter and knows she isn't coming with him and doesn't want to see him again. He has a shell shocked, and anguished look on his face as he tosses her letter off the train. Something about the sound of the train's horn, the music, and the fog and the rain all seeming to help communicate Rick's heart being decimated.

Rick is in his bar late at night, alone except for loyal Sam, and he is drunk. His life has been turned upside down with the reunion with Ilsa. He pounds his fist on the table, knocking a glass over and says "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she had to walk into mine." His eyes are watery, looking anguished again, and he rubs his hands over his face. This scene is when I first realized this was beyond just a great movie. 

THE ENDING:

Finally that last scene. I could watch this last scene forever. First Rick reveals that it will be Victor and Ilsa that will be getting on the plane. He has had his heart broken, then fallen in love with Ilsa again, and that's why this is such a great sacrifice. He has a chance to have her again and puts the fate of many over his own needs. Rick has gone from a broken cynic to a noble hero. It's about the power of love. He loves Ilsa and realizes her place is with Laszlo. He realizes that Laszlo needs Ilsa and that the world needs Laszlo. He doesn't stop loving Ilsa and she doesn't stop loving him. There just happens to be a higher ideal in the time of war. It's all very sad, very uplifting, and very romantic.


Rick: Last night we said a great many things. You said I was to do the thinking for both of us. Well, I've done a lot of it since then, and it all adds up to one thing: you're getting on that plane with Victor where you belong.


Ilsa: But, Richard, no, I... I...


Rick: Now, you've got to listen to me! You have any idea what you'd have to look forward to if you stayed here? Nine chances out of ten, we'd both wind up in a concentration camp. Isn't that true, Louie?


Captain Renault: I'm afraid Major Strasser would insist.

Ilsa: You're saying this only to make me go.


Rick: I'm saying it because it's true. Inside of us, we both know you belong with Victor. You're part of his work, the thing that keeps him going. If that plane leaves the ground and you're not with him, you'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.
Ilsa: But what about us?


Rick: We'll always have Paris. We didn't have, we, we lost it until you came to Casablanca. We got it back last night.


Ilsa: When I said I would never leave you.


Rick: And you never will. But I've got a job to do, too. Where I'm going, you can't follow. What I've got to do, you can't be any part of. Ilsa, I'm no good at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that.
[Ilsa lowers her head and begins to cry]


Rick: Now, now...


[Rick gently places his hand under her chin and raises it so their eyes meet]
Rick: Here's looking at you kid.




It's the closeups of these beautiful people- Rick in his trench coat and fedora, and Ilsa with that great hat perfectly angled on her head. There's the camera moving in on them for a great closeup, then the cut from Rick to Ilsa as the plane is about ready to take off. These closeups are phenomenal. These mythical figures are perfectly framed in all their gloriousness. These images to me represent the glory of the golden era of hollywood. This is the movie star shot of the greatest movie gods of their time looking their greatest in the rain and the fog in the climax of this film. Then the look of the plane ascending and flying away into the fog and rain. It's so stylish and romantic, and there's something about the sound of the engine, with the rumbling Max Steiner score that just feels so alive. Then there's Rick and Renault walking away as the camera pans back further and further. "Louie. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." 


The love story is the core of the movie but it's glue is the dialogue. Like an amazing tennis match the patter keeps going back and forth, and truly brilliant each time. Here's a sampling:


Major Strasser: What nationality are you?


Rick: I'm a drunkard


Renault: That makes Rick a citizen of the world.


Major Strasser: Are you one of those people who cannot imagine the Germans in their beloved Paris?


Rick: It's not particularly my beloved Paris.


Heinz: Can you imagine us in London?


Rick: When you get there, ask me!


Captain Renault: Hmmh! Diplomatist!


Major Strasser: How about New York?


Rick: Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn't advise you to try to invade.


************************


Captain Renault: Carl, see that Major Strasser gets a good table, one close to the ladies.

Carl: I have already given him the best, knowing he is German and would take it anyway.


*************************


Annina: Monsieur Rick, what kind of a man is Captain Renault?

Rick: Oh, he's just like any other man, only more so.

***********************

Yvonne: Where were you last night?

Rick: That's so long ago, I don't remember.
Yvonne: Will I see you tonight?

Rick: I never make plans that far ahead.

*****************************

Captain Renault: Oh no, Emil, please. A bottle of your best champagne, and put it on my bill.

Emil: Very well, sir.

Victor Laszlo: Captain, please...

Captain Renault: Oh, please, monsieur. It is a little game we play. They put it on the bill, I tear up the bill. It is very convenient.

***************************

Senor Ferrari: Might as well be frank, monsieur. It would take a miracle to get you out of Casablanca, and the Germans have outlawed miracles.


************************

Rick: I congratulate you.

Victor Laszlo: What for?

Rick: Your work.

Victor Laszlo: I try.

Rick: We all "try"; you succeed!



I'm going to end by once again summing up the experience of watching Casablanca:


You're sitting there in the theatre and you've got goosebumps because there up on the screen is Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. They seem almost superhuman. It's classic black and white and it feels classy as hell, like you've been invited to a great ball and you get to just bask in the glow of it all. More stars of the golden era of Hollywood keep showing up and you keep getting a little bit giddy. As you continue to listen to scene after scene of dialogue you've got a big grin on your face and you feel like you're really being taken care of, entertained in the very best way possible. You also feel like you're almost being seduced by the charm of everyone and everything. The movie keeps moving along. You melt a little bit and are moved by the tragic story of Rick and Ilsa, and you feel hopeful when they begin to fall in love again. Laszlo has entered the picture and you're invested in what's going to happen to him. He's a true hero. Is he going to get off Casablanca and on to America? Is Rick? Is Ilsa? Are Rick and Ilsa going to get back together again? These questions all keep you invested. Then the ending of endings. It's so perfect that you feel your breath stop a little and you pretty much fall in love.