What is the premise?
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| Casablanca The unique feature of Rick's drive is that it is postponed. This is not a sign of bad writing. It comes from Rick's character, his weakness and desire. Rick is paralyzed by bitterness and the belief that nothing in the world has value anymore. He wants Ilsa, but she is his opponent and is with another man. So in the early and middle parts of the story, Rick speaks with Ilsa but doesn't actively try together. Indeed, he begins by driving her away. This postponement of the desire, though required by Rick's character, has a cost. It results in lulls where audience interest flags. Laszlo seeking exit visas from Ferrari, Laszlo at the police station, Laszlo seeking exit visas from Rick, Laszlo with Ilsa, Laszlo escaping from the underground meeting—all are deflections from the hero's driving line. But postponing the drive also has two big benefits. First, the writers use Laszlo's actions to build the epic, political side of the story. Even though these actions have nothing to do with the hero's drive, they are necessary in this particular story because they give Rick's final reveal and decision worldwide importance. Second, by waiting so long to show Rick beginning his quest, the film gains the advantage of having the climaxes and revelations fall quickly one after the other. When Ilsa comes to Rick's room and declares her love, Rick finally acts, and the story catches lire. Of course, the great irony of Rick's sudden burst of action is that he is really raking steps to make sure that he doesn't get Ilsa. The change in the main character's motive and goal -from wanting Ilsa to helping her and Laszlo flyaway together—happens just after Rick begins his quest for Ilsa. Indeed, much of the excitement of this final quarter of the film is the result of uncertainty as to which of the two goals Rick is really seeking. KEY POINT This uncertainty between the two goals works only because it exists fora short time and is part of the big reveal in the final battle. * Drive Steps 1. Rick recalls his time in Paris with Ilsa. 2. Rick accuses Ilsa of being a whore when she returns to the cafe. 3. Rick attempts to makeup with Ilsa in the marketplace, but she rejects him. 4. Rick refuses to turn the letters of transit over to Renault. 28 5. After seeing Ilsa, Rick helps the Bulgarian couple win enough money to payoff Renault. 6. Rick turns down Laszlo's offers for the letters. He tells him to ask Ilsa why. 7. Rick turns down Ilsa's request for the letters, and she confesses she still loves him. 8. Rick tells Ilsa he will help Laszlo escape—alone. 9. Rick has Carl sneak Ilsa out of the club while he talks to Laszlo, who is then arrested. Download 0.98 Mb. Share with your friends:
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