Indeed, Riddick is right....
Casablanca is considered a classic, but viewed with 21st century eyes, it is dated. So what makes it endure, even with the 'cornball' lines? What are some of the things that make up the 'feel' of this movie?
The theme of the Underdog....
It was mentioned several times (by Police Captain Renault, and again by Lazslo) that Rick fought for the 'losing side' or the underdog in prior conflicts...running guns to Ethiopia and fighting on the Loyalist side in Spain. Then Rick ends up helping Laszlo and Ilsa get to America. Lazslo, who seemed destined to die in Casablanca, surrounded by Germans. People in general tend to like to root for the underdog....(ask any Cubs fan
)
The old-style Hollywood 'flavor'.....
Note the soft focus used 99% of the time on Ingrid Bergman, to make her look more radiant and glamorous. Yes, soft focus is still used today, but it is rare. I think this film endures because the phrase 'they don't make them like that anymore' really holds.
Anyone have any more ideas on this? These just came off the top of my head after reading Riddick's post.
Techniques
The use of shadows in Casablanca
Since Casablanca is a black and white film, the use of shadows seems very appropriate. To me, shadows show up much better in a b&w film than in color.
Notice the shadows that suggest off-camera movement without having to hold the subject in frame:
--Rick opens the safe to remove the 20,000 francs for the casino
--As Renault first approaches Laszlo and Ilse's table when Berger is seated with them.
--The name of the cafe La Belle Aurore in the Paris flashback, the day before the Germans march in.
--The parrot's shadow behind Ferrari as he is discussing exit visas with Ilsa and Laszlo.
--A literal shadow worth mentioning: Laszlo and Rick discuss the fact that Lazslo is being 'shadowed' by one of Renault's (or is it Strasser's) men.
Color was in use then (Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind) but many films were made in black and white because color was more expensive.
The shadows could also be suggesting the black market world in which the city of Casablanca is steeped; refugees buying and selling whatever they had (even themselves) to obtain means to leave Casablanca.