Analysis Of Casablanca
Analysis Of CasablancaMany feel that Casablanca is Bogart's best film. I disagree - but for
those who don't To Have and Have Not is a must-see film. It's
Casablanca with a different setting, this time we find Bogart playing
Harry Morgan, crewing a ship out for hire. His lovely lady is Lauren
Bacall in her motion picture debut playing the dark and mysterious Slim.
Teamed up with Harry's alcoholic side-kick Eddie, Cricket the night-club
manager by night, resistance sympathizer by day, and a cast of
supporters, Bogart and Bacall's adventures are as great on screen as
they were off screen.
The film is based off Ernest Hemmingway's novel of the same name.
Interestingly enough the film was made as part of a challenge between
Hemmingway and the film's director, Howard Hawks. Hawks claimed that he
could take Hemmingway's worst novel and turn it into a good film. The
result was a success - though the film is a far cry from the novel - so
far the film's title doesn't even make sense. To Have and Have Not has
every necessary ingredient for success: sex, violence, suspense, and the
occasional musical interlude. Hawks gives us a little of everything in
his hacked-up version of Hemmingway, and when the sparks start to settle
he has Bacall do a little number at the piano bar which may be
irrelevant, but Bacall's lovely and libidinous manor far makes up for
it. The film may lack class but it's all the more entertaining because
of it.
Bacall and Bogart strike a match at the start of the film and the flame
outlives Bogart. The chemistry is so strong between the two that you
can't help but believe there is more to their romance then what's
scripted. You're right too - Bogart and Bacall fell in love during
production and were married. This off-screen chemistry is a definite
contributor to their on-screen performances. Bogart offers no surprises
with his performance in this film, he is the same as he always is,
different costume, different name, same Humphry Bogart. This time he
has found a leading lady to compliment his style. Bacall shines in To
Have or Have Not. Her style is borderline raunchy, but it is her show
that ultimately adds class to the film. It is Bacall's performance that
makes you feel that you...
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