CLASSICISM

Classicism

Classicism

Introduction

Classicism refers either to the art produced in antiquity or to later be inspired by that of antiquity; Neoclassicism always refers to the art produced later but inspired by antiquity. In literature ? the primary and main rebirth of Classicism too occurred throughout the Renaissance ? when Cicero's prose was especially reproduced. (Kallendorf 2007)

In this paper we are going to discuss the classic elements of the movie “Casablanca”.

Thesis Statement

Classicism invokes those characteristics normally associated with the art of antiquity—harmony ? clarity ? restraint ? universality ? and idealism.

Discussion

“Casablanca” is an enduring classic. Since its release in 1942 ? the movie Casablanca ? directed by Michael Curtiz ? has become a classic. Even people who have never seen the film recognize the theme song ? “As Time Goes By ?” and the line “Play it again ? Sam ?” even though this line never actually occurs in the film. Why has Casablanca remained so popular? The answer to this question undoubtedly lies partly in the appeal of its two stars ? Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman ? and talented supporting actors like Claude Rains ? Sidney Greenstreet ? and Peter Lorre. Its main appeal ? however ? is the mixture of romance and realism in its plot ? setting ? and characterization.

The obvious romanticism of the plot tends to obscure its realistic elements. Consider the details. After a few shots of a spinning globe and Casablanca street scenes ? we are introduced to Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) ? a mysterious American expatriate who owns the Cafe Americain ? meeting place of Casablanca's smart set ? and who appears to care for nothing and nobody. Into Rick's cafe walk Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) ? a famous Resistance leader ? and Lisa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) ? his wife; in search of stolen letters of transit that would guarantee them a safe exit from Casablanca to Lisbon and America. In a flashback we learn that just before the Nazis occupied Paris ? Rick and Ilsa met there and fell in love. (Kallendorf 2007)

Because of their agreement not to speak of their pasts ? however ? Ilsa does not tell Rick of her marriage to Laszlo ? whom she believes to have died in a concentration camp. On the day that the two are to leave Paris together ? Ilsa discovers Victor is still alive and ? without explanation ? sends Rick a ...