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In which I go to a movie by myself

I had never seen Casablanca before. And well, to say I'd heard it was good would be grossly understating the matter. More like, oh, one of the greatest movies ever made? So when I heard it was playing on campus today, I went. Even though I had important things to do. Even though I couldn't find anyone to go with me.

And...I'm still not sure what to say about it. I was enthralled the whole time. I fell in love with Rick. The ending was immensely satisfying.  But I'll be honest, Ilsa really, really bothered me. "Do the thinking for both of us, Rick!" Really? Really though?

I think the part that really bugged me about Ilsa was how much I related to her (minus the whole marital infidelity thing). I know what it's like to get so lost in your emotions that you can't think straight. To want to stop trying to figure things out and just collapse into tears while others fix your problems for you. And I've definitely been guilty of that on multiple occasions. But I'm really, really trying to overcome that and take responsibility for my own issues. So while I empathized with Ilsa, most of me wanted to give her a good slap and say, "Buck up, girl. Everyone has problems. Don't try to say you don't know what's right, because you do know. Now stop being a baby, stop trying to let everyone else think for you, and be an adult."

I guess the fact that I relate to and understand this character so strongly is probably evidence of the power of this film. And I will again admit that I have developed a big-time crush on Humphrey Bogart (you don't mind, do you, Mike?)

Ah, Humphrey...I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Comments

  1. MikeJune 8, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    remember that magical double-standard about how women can love actors and characters and men are simply base?

    also... he's been dead for half a century. that's going to take a while to be able to compete with.

    ReplyDelete
  2. rissJune 8, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    When have I ever called you base for such a thing? You can love any actress and/or character you want. Provided she is a) dead b) fictional or c)not likely ever to cross paths with you in real life.
    Anyways, my love for Humphrey Bogart isn't some deep and abiding passion. It's a celebrity crush. I'll be over it in like a day.
    Also, I love you more than Humphrey Bogart, and Cary Grant, and Henry Fonda put together. Take that.

    ReplyDelete

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