Critical Insights Film: Casablanca Review
The opening chapters are helpful in establishing the importance of understanding the times in which Casablanca was made, and include interesting anecdotes from the film’s production. A biography of the film’s director, Michael Curtiz, is also included early on.
Three essays make up the Critical Contexts section, which serve to highlight the initial critical and popular reception of the film, as well as its place as an icon of the “noir” genre of film. “Tips of the Hat: The Critical Response to Casablanca” is a good piece which affirms understanding of why so many viewers love the film and perhaps enlightens readers about those who did not.
Critical Readings cover myriad topics, from elements of film art (music, lighting, acting, etc.) to themes such as gender, race, and heroism. “Adlibbing Greatness: Casablanca’s Screenplay” by Kirk Honeycutt discusses how because of, or perhaps in spite of, the group approach to writing the film’s screenplay, it has become an award-winning classic. Bjorpn Nordfjord, in his piece titled “Rick’s Café International: Casablanca as a Film of the World,” explains the unique global appreciation of the film, even as it was a strict product of Hollywood’s studio system. Nine more essays round out this section.
The volume concludes with a generous resources section, which includes a cast list, awards, a chronology of director Michael Curtiz’ life, his filmography, and a bibliography, followed by an index.”
—ARBA
