<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>The 1942 film </span><i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Casablanca</span></i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>, directed by Michael Curtiz, features Rick Blaine in the role of hero. Blaine strikes me as an unusual hero due to his apathetic and seemingly neutral attitude regarding the politics of the time. Unlike the majority of film heroes who fight for “good,” Blaine appears to be neither good nor bad and explains that he is only interested in “looking out for his own neck.” He does not agree to help Ilse and her husband simply because he is bitter; although that seems to be the right thing to do. Ultimately you could argue that he does not embody the selfless attitude of typical heroes. The plot seems to point to Blaine as the hero figure; however, he does nothing particularly heroic until the ending. Therefore, it is unclear in this film who will be the hero, or if there will even be a hero, right up until the climax.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Rick Blaine later becomes the clear hero of the film with his sacrifice at the end. He has the opportunity to run away with the girl of his dreams and throw her husband away in a concentration camp forever but he risks his own life to help them escape Casablanca. Prior to aiding in their escape, Blaine is shown plotting with police about the arrest of Lazlo and his plan to leave with Ilse to America. He appears to be on the side of the “bad guys”, overcome by his hatred of Lazlo and hurt feelings towards Ilse. This part of the story continues to shroud Blaine in mystery regarding his true intentions and allegiances. </span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>I think that the role of Rick Blaine as a hero is very applicable to the time. During WWII, it was not always smart to publicly pick a side due to invading occupations of many countries and regions, although almost everybody had a side. Blaine felt it was best to stay out of politics and to keep it out of his restaurant. He flees Paris to avoid the war and escape his hero role as a patriot. As Blaine comes to find out, there is no escaping the war and therefore he must choose a side. He tries to be neutral but ends up coming off as flaky because he sides with whoever will help him out the most. The audience wants Blaine to be the hero and help Lazlo escape but at the same time, wants Rick to win the girl. He makes the decision based on politics and his own beliefs not on his personal feelings. His selfless sacrifice ultimately makes him a hero and creates him as a representation of many people during the war who helped those they love escape from war-torn or invaded countries even though it meant separation.</span>
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