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“One of the most beloved films in the history of cinema”: CASABLANCA, by Michael Curtiz, at the 24th FICM

Alan Rodríguez

Film critics Anne Wakefield and Rafael Aviña presented Michael Curtiz’s Casablanca (1942) as part of the seventh day of activities at the 24th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM).

The screening was attended by Silvio González, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, and Daniela Michel, founder and director of the FICM. “It is an honor to present this film, one of the most beloved in the history of cinema. It is an excellent choice on the Embassy’s part to showcase this gem from Hollywood’s Golden Age,” said Michel.

Before the screening began, Wakefield and Aviña discussed the film’s central themes with the audience, highlighting its significance—particularly given the context in which it was made. Although originally conceived as a romantic comedy, no one at the time could have foreseen the enduring impact the film would eventually have.

“An interesting detail is that the film’s production was approved just one day before the attack on Pearl Harbor; in other words, throughout the entire planning process, the United States had not yet entered the war,” noted Wakefield. 

Rafael Aviña spoke about the rise of the film noir genre during that era: “Casablanca is often described as a great love story, but I have always viewed it as a quintessential noir, as it contains all the hallmark elements—such as an obsession with the past and a doomed romance. In a relatively short runtime, Casablanca manages to pack in action, romance, adventure, patriotism, humanity, and espionage—complemented by an extraordinary musical score. These elements combined to make it a classic, one that grew in stature over time.”

Before concluding the conversation, both critics highlighted the production design: “One would like to think that Casablanca was actually filmed in Morocco, but in reality, it was shot in Burbank, California. Even so, the setting is incredible—not just that of the city, but of Rick’s Café, which serves as a microcosm of all the forces at play in this place.”