Theme of Casablanca

It is established early in the movie that Rick Blaine is a man who has no political loyalties and will not participate in the political intrigue that occurs in Casablanca. Even a fellow club owner, Senor Ferrari, criticizes Rick for his non-political views, "When will you realize that in this world, today, isolationism is no longer a practical policy?" This statement helps the viewer understand that Rick wants no part of the political dealings that are happening around him.

Another example of Rick's political neutrality i

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One of the first displays of Rick's transformation would be his helping a young refugee couple escape Casablanca.

By the end of the movie Rick Blaine's political and emotional transformation is complete. s when Major Strasser, a Nazi official openly suspects Rick's political allegiance. Even though Rick knows Ugarte, he ignores the plea for help. Rick tells Ilsa's that their love "doesn't amount to a hill of beans" compared to what is going on in the world.

The ultimate example of Rick's personal transformation would be his decision to give up Ilsa for the sake of the French Resistance. "

The transformation of Rick begins with the appearance of his lost love, Ilsa Laszlo. Upon hearing the Germans sing, Rick instructs the band to play the French National anthem to drown out the Germans voices. Rick encourages Ilsa to leave Casablanca with her husband and fight the Nazi's by her husband's side.

Another example of Rick's "political makeover" would be his reaction when German officers begin to sing a German Nazi song in his nightclub. " With this simple and yet witty remark, Rick avoids telling the General his political views. Rick is aware that if he leaves Casablanca with Ilsa as planned, her husband Victor will be killed by the Nazis. Rather than see a married woman sacrifice herself sexually to Captain Renault, Rick allows the couple to win the needed money at his roulette wheel.

With the appearance of Ilsa, Rick slowly allows himself to become emotionally involved in the people and the political events that surround him. With the winnings earned at the "fixed" roulette table, the couple quickly leaves the American Café to attain their exits visas.

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Approximate Word count = 629
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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