You're a rank sentimentalist

As you may or may not know, last evening, I attended a special 70th Anniversary screening of Casablanca. Upon entering the theater, I was instantly struck by how many people there were. I mean, the theater looked just about full, and even after my friend and I took our seats, people were still filing in. And the best part about it all was the range of ages that were in attendance. I noticed that some people had brought along their kids, which made me want to high-five them. Hell, I wanted to high-five everybody that was there.

The lights dimmed, the room hushed, and the audience was treated to an introduction to the film by none other than the host of Turner Classic Movies, Robert Osborne. The introduction included some background information about the film, reminiscences by those who worked on it, and some famous faces discussing what Casablanca means to them.

And so the movie began. Watching it, I felt almost as if I was seeing it for the first time. And at the end, I felt so satisfied. It's been a long time since I've felt that way after seeing a movie. My favorite part was the collective applause (and I may or may not have spotted a standing ovation out of the corner of my eye) when the picture ended. Although I was kind of hoping for some applause at the beginning, when the title came upon the screen,  some applause for Humprey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman's first appearances, and for Victor Laszlo's rousing rendition of La Marseillaise, alas, there was none.

The only setback was when some asshat's telephone rang...and he actually answered it and had a conversation! However, there was basically nothing that could have went down during that screening that would have dampened my spirits. I paid $11.50 for my ticket, but honestly, and I don't really give a damn how lame this sounds, it was a totally priceless experience. What a night.

Next week, they are screening the 1927 silent classic Wings, starring Clara Bow. I may or may not be going.

Here's looking at you, kid

I am very excited. Tomorrow night, I am going to have the immense pleasure of seeing one of my favorite  movies on the big screen. In celebration of its 70th anniversary, Casablanca is returning to the screen for a special, one night only event. The official anniversary was in March, but due to popular demand, Fathom Events, in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, is rescreening the film. Good news for me, since I didn't make it to the first one.

This is the second time that I am aware of that a classic film is returning for a one night only engagement. A few months back, West Side Story was re -released, but unfortunately the closest participating theater was all the way in Harrisburg, so I didn't get to make it to that. Needless to say, I still brood over that one.

For those of you keeping score at home, you may or may not remember that over the summer I had my very first experience seeing a classic film on the big screen with Diabolique. http://im-into-leather.blogspot.com/2011/08/out-and-about-film-viewings.html  Being from Smalltown, Pennsylvania, there arent't that many chances to get out and catch a screening of an old, beloved classic (L.A-ers, how I envy you). And, unfortunately for me, most of the chances I have had to see classic films in public have usually managed to be thwarted some way or another. (I was supposed to see West Side Story at the park outside, and they couldn't get the sound working. I was supposed to see Some Like it Hot in the courtyard of the Sun Inn, and got the times mixed up). So this is huge for me, and come tomorrow afternoon at work, I know I'm going to be bursting at the seams. 

There's nothing like seeing a movie that you love on the big screen, the way it's supposed to be seen, and I'm very glad to add Casablanca to the list of beloved films that I have been lucky enough to see again in a theater.

Stay tuned for a follow-up!

Number Nine

Naturally beautiful. Understated. Oscar winning. Remarkable. Unforgettable.  These adjectives come to mind when I think of actress number nine on this list: Ingrid Bergman.

Born on August 29, 1915 in Stockholm Sweden, Ingrid Bergman knew from an early age that she wanted to be an actress. She used to dress up in her mother's clothes and stage productions for her own amusement. She attended the Royal Dramatic Theater School (the same school Greta Garbo attended) and appeared in a handful of plays before starring in some Swedish films.

In 1939, producer David O. Selznick brought her to America to star opposite Leslie Howard in a remake of her 1936 Swedish film Intermezzo. Titled Intermezzo: A Love Story, the film brought Ingrid instant fame in America. She was a natural in front of the camera. Her performance was subtle and understated, and absolutely effective. Such became the usual for Ingrid.

In my opinion, Ingrid Bergman's best performance is in the 1944 film Gaslight. Playing the role of a woman being driven mad by her diabolical husband (played  by Charles Boyer). In what could have been played extremely over the top, Bergman played it down and only became hysterical in the last few moments of the film, making her hysteria more realistic.She won the Academy Award for her performance.

Her most famous role however, is as Ilsa Lund in the immortal, beloved wartime classic Casablanca. Torn between Humphrey Bogart and Paul Henried, her performance is subtle, understated, and touching. I know I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. My favorite scene is when Victor Lazlo (Paul Henried) leads the patrons of Rick's Cafe in a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise. Watch Ingrid's face here. Her eyes are nervous for his safety, but she can't hide her sense of pride in him. It's a beautiful performance. And as a sidenote, can I just point out how beautiful she looks in this film? She is absolutely luminous. (The black and white cinematography doesn't hurt here).

I think what I admire most about Ingrid Bergman was the lack of pretense about her. She was always herself and refused to compromise herself for anyone. She used very little makeup and wouldn't allow her teeth to be capped. She wouldn't be made over into someone she wasn't, and if she made enemies along the way, so be it.

Although Ingrid Bergman wasn't constantly turning out great performances, when she was good, she was perfect.

 

Rock on, Ingrid.

Is this not the sweetest picture ever?

Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win.

Casablanca, 1942

My list of 15 films continues with Casablanca. I was first shown this film in my tenth grade film class and I was instantly in love with it. I got so lost in the story and completely swept away and involved in the love triangle. I honestly had no idea who Ilsa was going to end up with, and I totally felt for her, because I had fallen for both men as well.I was drawn to Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and his smart-ass remarks, and I thought that Victor (Paul Henried) was such a good, brave man. By the end of the picture, I had to quickly wipe my eyes and pretend that I hadn't been crying.


Also, I remember thinking that the girl in the movie was very pretty. Only later did I learn her name was Ingrid Bergman and that she was an Academy Award winning Swedish actress. (She's now one of my favorite actresses). I think she's especially beautiful in this film. She's absolutely luminous- especially when Rick sees her again for the first time in years:

The part that stands out to me the most isn't the famous goodbye scene, but when Victor leads all the people in a chorus of La Marseillaise, much to the annoyance of the German soldiers. In this scene, Paul Henried is so brave, and so handsome, and Ilsa is so proud of him. It's such a beautiful scene. Observe:








Casablanca is true escapist cinema, and I can just imagine what it did for people during World War II. I've always wanted to talk to someone who was around during that time and ask them what it was like seeing that film back in 1942, and how they reacted to it.

With its great story, love triangle, endlessly quotable lines, and great performances by all involved, Casablanca is s treasure of a movie that everyone really should see.

PS- I'm sorry about the video, I didn't realize that it couldn't be embedded. It's going to take you straight to the youtube page.