In "The Thematic Paradigm," University of Florida professor of film studies, Robert Ray, defines two types of heroes pervading American films, the outlaw hero and the official hero. Often the two types are merged in a reconciliatory pattern, he argues. In fact, this
"reconciliatory pattern found its most typical incarnationÂ…in one particular narrative: the story of the private man attempting to keep from being drawn into action on any but his own terms. In this story, the reluctant hero's ultimate willingness to help the community satisfied the official values. But by portraying this aid as demanding only temporary involvement, the story preserved the values of individualism as well." (284)
This reconciliatory pattern is vividly exemplified in Rick, the hero of the classic film, Casablanca. For example, when Rick repeats his non-committal, cold, tough guy stance to an offended customer, "I stick my neck out for nobody," it is viewed as an outlaw hero characteristic. He......
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