Casablanca is a romance and drama about an American saloon man in Vichy controlled Morocco during WW2 who comes across a former lover of his and her rebel leader husband in search of transit papers that will allow them to leave for Lisbon and America.
Casablanca is an absolutely fantastic film and it’s easy to see why it is considered by many to be one of the greatest and most influential films of all time. There is a beautiful aesthetic to the film with a brilliant set design that showcases the impact of a country not ravaged by war such as occupied France but nevertheless under the influence of an ‘evil’ regime in the form of the Vichy and the Nazis. The love triangle between the three lead characters is very convincing and made all the more notable under the circumstances of war and the efforts each individual would go to, so that the other might be happy.
While a films purpose is commonly for entertainment purposes and this one likewise, there is a clear emphasis and focus on the American involvement in the war and propaganda to influence the American attitude towards the war effort. After the Pearl Harbor attack on 7 December 1941, Germany declared war against the US along with Japan and Italy on 11 December.
By the end of 1941, the war had been raging on for over 2 years of which America had been very much neutral, profiting from European countries through Lend Lease and other forms of trade and so joining the war was a huge step forward.
Rick appears to be the personification of USA. He is a neutral bystander, taking whichever side results in the best outcome for himself and making comments such as “I bet they’re asleep in New York–I bet they’re asleep all over America” which implies that America is asleep while Europe is fighting. Americas isolationism is also noted when Signor Ferrari states “My dear Rick, when will you realise that in the world today, isolationism is no longer a practical policy?”. Warner Bros. were clearly pro-American involvement in WW2 and Casablanca acts as a propaganda for the people of America to show there patriotism and support the fight in Europe.
Aaron Bruce's Film Studies Blog 