Review of Curtiz's Casablanca

Casablanca was a mysterious trip to a dream-like criminal underground - every shot shroud in impending danger and romantic shadows. I loved it. The classic feel and sultry mood of the desert cantina and the markets surrounding it engrossed me in an exotic plot of scandal and love. Curtiz's direction was wonderfully done and distinctly moody. All of the shots kept the mysterious feeling going throughout the story. No shots seemed to cry for attention and they all helped lead the audience's eye to where it needed to be. Great slow pans, zooms and framing throughout.
The editing at the beginning of the film utilized cross fading and over-laid shots while it set up the history of the war and the desert country we were diving into. Other than that, there was very traditional jump cuts and fade-outs and fade-ins with an easy going tempo, holding the audience on a character close up as they were deep in thought or cutting between two figures while they exchanged dialogue. The lighting was spectacular and very powerful in certain scenes. It again helped to really drive in the feeling of mystery and passion that kept me in suspense for the whole of the movie. I especially loved the shadows in the scene where Rick has his flashback after the bar is closed or when he was getting money out of the safe and his shadow was cast on the wall. There was also the searchlight/spotlight that always was grazing over the bar at night that seemed to have an omniscient and foreboding presence. All of the lighting techniques created intense scenery that was stunning throughout. As for the misce-en-scene, it couldn't have been more fitting. I loved the sets used. Rick's cantina was exciting and and smooth, it had a sensual yet tough atmosphere and was decorated beautifully. The Blue Parrot was also a very interesting few scenes with a well done atmosphere that made you feel like a Moroccan local.
Compared to other suspenseful dramas, this is one of my favorites. Its elements of romance and espionage and the lurking dangers that faced Rick throughout the film had me mesmerized the entire time.