Times of Trenton previews ‘Casablanca’
The Times of Trenton writes:
[O]ne of cinema’s greatest love stories [will] unfold to a live performance with symphony orchestra of its classic score ... “Casablanca” is, quite simply, one of the best shot, best written, best directed, best edited, best acted and most beloved American movies ever made.
The film’s climax, in particular, is a virtuosic piece of filmmaking and a perfect example of how a collection of cinematic elements can come together to create a perfectly engrossing, profoundly moving piece of mainstream entertainment.
But everyone knows “Casablanca.” If they don’t, they should.
Rick and Ilsa’s reunion in the most colorful gin joint in Vichy Morocco is at once romantic, suspenseful and funny, and at a time when most American films about the War were over-the-top flag-wavers, “Casablanca” serves up its patriotism in a classy, adult package.
The film won much-deserved Academy Awards for best picture, best director (Michael Curtiz) and best screenplay (Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch). Among its eight nominations were those for best actor (Humphrey Bogart), best supporting actor (an exceedingly dapper Claude Rains) and best music.
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will be offering a fresh spin on the established classic this weekend, when it performs Max Steiner’s score live with screenings of the 1942 film ...
As a Valentine’s experience, “Casablanca” is difficult to beat. Like Sam (Dooley Wilson) says in the film, “This sure does take the sting out of being occupied.”