Curtiz: B+

Bogart and Casablanca may be synonymous, but Curtiz shows Hungarian director Michael Curtiz living the role that made Bogart a star, quietly standing against hyper-patriotism in America and abroad. The film’s structure, dialogue, and character arcs make numerous allusions to Casablanca itself, including the colorful cast of misfits on set, making Rick’s Café feel as real as ever. But it’s Ferenc Lengyel’s depiction of Curtiz that shines brightest. He is the classic Bogart outsider—brooding and deeply flawed yet making the hard, heroic choices. By ending Casablanca his way, Curtiz makes as many enemies as friends, but achieves cinematic history.

James H. Duncan, Guest Contributor