Curtiz

Curtiz is a 2018 Hungarian biographical drama film directed by Tamas Yvan Topolanszky and starring Ferenc Lengyel, Evelin Dobos, and Declan Hannigan. The drama pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood while simultaneously diving into the complexities and pressures of the cinematic world. It is a revealing picture of an exceptional artist during one of history's most explosive periods, fortified by a charming narrative and outstanding performances.

The movie revolves around the life of the esteemed and legendary Hungarian-American director, Michael Curtiz, portrayed by Ferenc Lengyel, whose filmography boasts over 150 movies, including classics such as "Casablanca" which garnered an 'Academy Award for Best Director'. The narrative centers on him, not largely on his astounding filmography, but focuses precisely on how he developed the WW2 influenced romantic-drama "Casablanca" into an ageless masterpiece.

Curtiz captures a crucial period in 1942, amidst the tense American political climate, when Curtiz is in the throes of the monumental challenge of shooting "Casablanca". Concerns over the growing threats of World War II and the pressure from Warner Bros. to create propaganda-quality, war-boosting films frames the backdrop to the movie's script. The audience gets an insight into the tightly knitted political and professional pressures and how subtly, yet powerfully, they intrude into the world of cinema.

Curtiz is depicted as an overwhelmingly talented, yet deeply flawed individual. He is presented as relentless, egotistical, short-tempered, and utterly dedicated to his craft - often bypassing the sensitivities of others in quest of perfection in his work. Contextualizing the personal and professional conflict, the movie does an impressive job in demonstrating the visionary's wrestling with his numerous internal demons.

Ferenc Lengyel exceptionally embodies the role of Curtiz. His portrayal effectively conveys the director's obstinacy, vulnerability, and genius, making the character fascinatingly complex. His dynamic performance captures the essence of a creative spirit at war with itself, struggling between personal dilemmas and professional obligations. Lengyel's Curtiz is both commanding and conflicted, representing an exploration of the human side of a cinematic legend and shedding light on his unyielding commitment to the craft of filmmaking.

Evelin Dobos plays Curtiz's estranged daughter, Kitty. Her entrance into the script adds a personal dimension to Curtiz's life, presenting the audience with a more understated and profound dimension to the film. The father-daughter relationship is fraught with tension, emotional pain, and the complexities of unhealed wounds. Dobos brings a raw emotionality to her character that offers a deeply human counterpoint to Curtiz's intimidating persona.

Declan Hannigan, who plays the character of producer Hal Wallis, embodies the slick and often unscrupulous business side of the movie industry. His character is vital in revealing the intertwined nature of cinema and politics of those times, and the consequential pressure on filmmakers caught in these crosshairs.

The movie’s unique narrative and visual style, reminiscent of classic film noir, captures the mood and atmosphere of the 1940s Hollywood setting. It uses dramatic shadows, high contrast lighting, and stunning black-and-white cinematography, that heightens the drama and effectively reflects the tumultuous period, both globally and in Curtiz's personal life.

In essence, Curtiz is less about the making of the classic "Casablanca" and more about the introspective examination of the person behind it - a gifted yet flawed human, succumbing and triumphing over his struggles. It takes the audience on a captivating journey into the celluloid world of the 1940s while focusing on a compelling character study of a unique director amid profound personal and professional crossroads.

This movie is a must-watch for those interested in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history of cinema, particularly for those curious about the enigmatic, mastermind director Michael Curtiz.