Casablanca Discussion

1. Rick and Lazlo are both portrayed as heroes, just different types of heroes. What are your perspectives on their similarities and differences? What are their motivations behind their heroism? Is one more heroic than the other? More courageous? How does Ilsa affect their heroism?

2. What makes Humphrey Bogart's performance in this movie so damn intriguing and powerful? Or, if you're not a fan of his performance here, why?

3. Any other performances jump out at you as stellar? Or the opposite -- anyone not carry his/her weight?

4. Do you agree with Sour Grapes, who posted in the comments two posts below that Casablanca is not an allegory, but merely a cheesy love story that pulls the right strings?

5. Why has this movie taken on a cult status, and why is it still loved by so many? Is it simply because of the romance, or the performances, or the film-making? Or is there more to it than that?

6. Were there any moments from a film-making perspective that made you take notice? In other words, any particular moments of cinematography, or lighting, or framing of shots, or use of shadows, or props/sets?

7. If this movie were to be remade today (heresy, I know!), and you were able to hand-pick the director and stars, who would they be and why? (let's go with the roles of Rick, Ilsa, Victor, Captain Renault, Ugarte and Sam)

June Movie: Casablanca

Let's watch and discuss the winner of March Movie Madness! I'll post some thought prompters in a few days.