Last night, Renee and I went to see Casablanca at the Strand Theatre on Marietta Square. This was one of the best movie-going experiences I've ever had. The Strand is an old theatre that was probably around when Casablanca was originally released. We arrived about 30 minutes before it started and there was an organist playing tunes of yesteryear. It really "perfumed the air." I'm so excited that there is a venue like this to see classic films. There are 4 Hitchcock's showing over the next few months!
Seeing a classic film with an appreciative audience was a far superior setting than what you'll experience at the multiplex. There were no cellphone interruptions or kids crying. It was mostly an older crowd to be sure.
I really enjoyed how much the audience laughed at the film because usually, one wouldn't expect to laugh at such a classic and revered film but Casablanca truly is witty and funny. The screenplay is so dry and intelligent. When Bogart is asked what is his occupation, he replies quickly and dryly, "I'm a drunkard."
It's so effective because of his blunt honesty and nonchalant attitude toward the Nazis. Claude Rains is an absolute delight and floats around the screen with that sly grin of his. He is sort of the humorous chorus that helps the narrative along and also dulls some of Rick's hard edges. One of the biggest laughs of the night was with Rains' line, "I'm shocked! Shocked! to learn that gambling is going on in this establishment!" What else can we say about Bogart, he is the coolest anti-hero around. One question that will forever be with moviegoers is whether or not Ilsa still loves Rick and what are Rick's true feelings for Ilsa? At the end, Rick is acting out of honor but we can't help but wonder.
This has been one of my favorite films for many years now and how could it not be, it has everything: action,intrigue,humor,romance. It holds up remarkably well 70 years after it was made. There is no wasted effort and the film zips along quickly. As my film professor once pointed out, it's hard to believe that a classic such as Casablanca was just another film that was churned out by the studio system back then when they were producing and releasing dozens of films a week.
Seeing a classic film with an appreciative audience was a far superior setting than what you'll experience at the multiplex. There were no cellphone interruptions or kids crying. It was mostly an older crowd to be sure.
I really enjoyed how much the audience laughed at the film because usually, one wouldn't expect to laugh at such a classic and revered film but Casablanca truly is witty and funny. The screenplay is so dry and intelligent. When Bogart is asked what is his occupation, he replies quickly and dryly, "I'm a drunkard."
It's so effective because of his blunt honesty and nonchalant attitude toward the Nazis. Claude Rains is an absolute delight and floats around the screen with that sly grin of his. He is sort of the humorous chorus that helps the narrative along and also dulls some of Rick's hard edges. One of the biggest laughs of the night was with Rains' line, "I'm shocked! Shocked! to learn that gambling is going on in this establishment!" What else can we say about Bogart, he is the coolest anti-hero around. One question that will forever be with moviegoers is whether or not Ilsa still loves Rick and what are Rick's true feelings for Ilsa? At the end, Rick is acting out of honor but we can't help but wonder.
This has been one of my favorite films for many years now and how could it not be, it has everything: action,intrigue,humor,romance. It holds up remarkably well 70 years after it was made. There is no wasted effort and the film zips along quickly. As my film professor once pointed out, it's hard to believe that a classic such as Casablanca was just another film that was churned out by the studio system back then when they were producing and releasing dozens of films a week.