Describing one of my favourites, Casablanca (1942).
Why is Casablanca one of my favourite stories?
Aside from often quoted lines and wonderful music score, the location of Casablanca provides a visually engaging backdrop. The setting against the complicated geo-political backdrop of World War 2, adds struggle – a key story component according to O’Hara (2014) – to the compelling 3 act structure.
The Story in 3 Acts
The Story Spine method helps convey the key moments. However, Casablanca is highly complex, explores multiple character arcs and has numerous twists, which is why the film is so enduring!
Act 1 – Setting the scene
Once upon a time, as people flee German occupied Europe desperate to reach safe-havens, they pass through Vichy controlled Casablanca.
Every day, cynical Rick manages ‘Rick’s Cafe Americian’, a popular Casablanca casino, which is known for it’s music. This song is one of the reasons I love this film!
Act 2 – all about the girl?
But one day, Victor and his wife Ilsa walk into Rick’s Cafe seeking help.
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world, she walks into mine.”
Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart)
Because of that, Rick is conflicted, as he sticks his “neck out for nobody“. Through flashbacks we explore his history… we start to understand Rick’s jaded attitude…
Because of that, despite Isla’s pleas Rick won’t hand over the papers he has acquired that the couple need to escape. Victor is subsequently arrested at an underground resistance meeting. Rick still loves her???
Because of that, Rick tells the local Vichy French police chief, Captain Louis Renault, that he wants to leave Casablanca with Ilsa. Rick suggests the police release Victor and create a trap. If the police can detain Victor attempting an escape, he will face harsher punishment and Renault can win favour with the local German Commander. A cunning plan…
Until finally, Rick double-crosses Renault, forcing him to phone his officers sending them away. Unbeknownst to Rick, Renault calls the German Commander, who tries to stop the plane, but is shot by Rick. Ilsa and Victor to escape on a plane bound for Lisbon. Which was Rick’s plan all along… Plot twist!
Act 3 – Spoiler! He doesn’t get the girl…
And ever since then, Renault doesn’t arrest Rick nor stop the plane, but suggests he and Rick escape Casablanca and join the French resistance! Rick’s jaded outlook fades as he returns back to his idealist ways.
“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart)
Bonus – Unsolved mystery
Rick’s past is alluded to, but we never find out why he can’t go home to America… Leaving an unanswered question divides critics, some feel it leaves the consumer empty whilst others feel it’s important to be left wanting more. I quite like that we are left with the mystery….
EXSM 3989 - Digital Storytelling Class Blog 