Sep 16, 20221 min read

Casablanca: Sublime Screenplay

Updated: Feb 28, 2023

Reviews by:

@augustkellerwrites

RATE THIS MOVIE

Casablanca is immaculately written. Superficially, it has natural arcs and a perfect bittersweet ending. Thematically, it tackles idealism, commitment, morality, and isolationism, using characters as political metaphors. Minutely, dialogue is weighted with motivated strategies, exposition is delivered naturally, and each scene develops the plot and characters. Broadly, the tone balances tension, humor, and drama while the genre blends noir, romance, and commentary. Plus, the iconic cast provides vulnerability, layers, and range. Overall, Casablanca packs internal conflicts, redefined tropes, and cathartic resolution into a methodical journey that's still influential today.

Technically, Casablanca is subtly enhanced. Its edit pacing flows smoothly while embodying the drama. There are matte paintings, rear screen projections, and gunfire blanks. The sound is ambient yet suggestive. Meanwhile, the visuals use precise and consistent camera movement, symbolic lighting, extreme shadows, and significant composition. The production design is theatrical, emulating the elevated emotions. Finally, the music is truly powerful, using dramatic scoring and meaningful songs that impact the plot. Ultimately, Casablanca carefully hits every mark. Joining accessible entertainment with detailed substance, Casablanca is firmly one of the greatest films of all time.

Writing: 10/10

Direction: 10/10

Cinematography: 10/10

Acting: 10/10

Editing: 9/10

Sound: 9/10

Score/Soundtrack: 10/10

Production Design: 10/10

Casting: 10/10

Effects: 9/10

Overall Score: 9.7/10

By @augustkellerwrites