Casablanca
CasablancaThe Hero and Anti-Hero in Casablanca
Casablanca is a very popular classic in which the audience is enlightened with a colourful combination of characters. The two prominent characters in the film, Rick Blane and Victor Lazlo, have a unique role because they portray the anti-hero and hero. These two character traits are critical because they differentiate the two main characters in the film. But, even though the anti-hero, Rick Blane, and hero, Victor Lazlo, have very different character personas, at the comparative level the main difference is that the anti-hero is driven by passion and the hero is driven by reason. This prominent difference is evident in their political beliefs, their relationships with Ilsa, and in the director's portrayal of their inner feelings.
Rick Blane and Victor Lazlo are individuals with very strong political beliefs. Even though both characters demonstrate that they have an interest in politics, they have different driving forces within them that bring forth their interests. In Rick's case, he exhibits an interest in politics that is centered around his feelings for the woman he loves. For example, when Rick was together with Ilsa in Paris he was very ambitious with his political beliefs. He was visualizing resistance and freedom for the French people. After tragically losing the love of his life, Rick ceased to show any political involvement or any strong political beliefs and began to worry only about his own well-being. On the other hand, Victor Lazlo is the type of character that is involved in politics for the love of politics. He is not dependent on the love of a woman to give him the strength he needed to be actively involved in politically divided situations. An example of his love for politics was when Victor began singing the "Marseilles" in the club to overpower the Nazi anthem. The overall impression given by the director, using particular clothes, hair style and physique, sends the message to the audience that Victor is a politically oriented person and Rick is a person that would likely be involved in politics to please others.
Another aspect of Rick and Victor that displays their anti-hero and hero characteristics is their relationship with Ilsa. Each has a different kind of love for Ilsa. In Rick's case, he loves Ilsa passionately and treats her like an equal. They once were very close and cared greatly for each other. Their...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.