There are many reasons as to why “Casablanca” has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential American films of all time.
To begin with, at a crucial moment in American history, “Casablanca” impacted our perception of intervention in the Second World War, and of intervention in foreign affairs in general. “Casablanca” helped to start a trend which continued in such events as the Gulf War, where America intervenes in difficult world situations. No longer could America stand idly by and permit undemocratic evil to overtake the earth. This was the message of Casablanca in late 1942. It was time for America to flex its muscles and enter the fight. America was to become the reticent guardian of the whole world.
“Casablanca” is a great example of the classic Hollywood film. It was shot entirely on Hollywood sets, while using studio actors, directors, and writers. “Casablanca” shows the beautiful collaborative effort in studio production. The story itself is straightforward, but the film is hardly simplistic, partly because of its unresolvable central conflict and partly because it functions as both a realistic movie and a political allegory. The film’s lasting nature is due to its dramatic conclusion.
While “Casablanca” is considered a legendary Hollywood film, I’d be remised to say that it does not follow all the same guidelines as other Hollywood films and is maybe another reason why the film has stood the test of time. In a standard film, conflict and romance would not conflict, they would actually go hand in hand. Also, in the end Ilsa would have chosen her love and they would ride into the sunset and that clearly was not the case.
Stefano Allegras blog 