Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca, in an extremely timely way, asks the viewer to examine their values and allegiances closely and weigh their pragmatism against their patriotism. This is most thoroughly explored in Rick, played by the one and only Humphrey Bogart, a cynical gin joint owner who pledges allegiance to no flag, or anything else for that matter.

The film is set in 1941 and was released in 1943, both with World War II still ongoing at the time. In that way, the film's questions about allegiance were particularly relevant. The film even opens with a scene of a man being shot in the back as he runs from authorities, with a depiction of Philippe Pétain staring down at him. Philippe Pétain was the head of Vichy France, a collaborator of Nazi Germany, and the administrator of Casablanca. In real life, Casablanca was firmly in Vichy control; however, the film introduces a stronger Nazi presence in service of its narrative and themes.

It is immediately established that Casablanca is now the land of desperation and opportunism. Even as we receive exposition, it is revealed that the character delivering it is a pickpocket currently deploying his craft. The opening scene of Rick's is similar, presenting a grab bag of people planning crimes, buying illicit papers or selling their jewelry at steep discounts.

Rick's choice of running a gin joint is appropriate. As a man devoted at every level to running from his emotional trauma, it is unsurprising he would choose an enterprise which offers people an escape through drink, music, and gambling. What's interesting is that Rick set up shop in Casablanca, which became a sort of exit point. And yet Rick chooses to never leave.

Rick operates under a protocol of neutrality as dogma. One of his oft-repeated maxims is even, "I stick my neck out for nobody." Ironically, another businessman challenges Rick at one point, saying "My dear Rick, when will you realize that, in this world today, isolationism is no longer a practical policy."

Rick has to learn this the hard way. When Ilsa comes back into his life, he is forced to grapple with his apathy, selfishness, and bitterness. Rick often gives in to his worst tendencies, but has softer, more revealing moments, such as when he rigs a game in favor of a young couple who need money for passage out of Casablanca. Rick helps them at his own expense; he is not as heartless as he imagines himself.

One of the reasons the ending of Casablanca is so fantastic is that our lead pair doesn't end up together but we are provided an excellent reason why. Rick's act of sacrifice is an admission that he is invested again, he has redeveloped his sense of allegiance; he is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Laszlo even comments on this, saying to Rick, "Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win."

Another reason the ending is fantastic: the shift in allegiant thinking is not limited to Rick. Renault, a Vichy French captain, is inspired by Rick's action, clears him of wrongdoing, and tosses away a bottle of Vichy water. Newfound accomplices in their patriotism, Rick remarks, "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Casablanca is not just a fantastic film, it's a unique time capsule from an era of global war and strife. The movie captures this beautifully in the desperation of our characters and the urgency of their plight. When it comes to Casablanca, Rick got it right, "Here's looking at you kid."