Casablanca: What Elements Make It A Classic Hollywood Film?

Casablanca: What Elements Make it a Classic Hollywood Film?

10/7/2013

61 Comments

Hello me, from me.

1. I think that the camera angle and the lighting were essential. These techniques helped create and set the mood. For example, when Rick was opening his safe in order to grab money, the camera angle and lighting made it so that the viewer only sees Rick’s shadow. This helps convey the fact that this safe is very important and is definitely hidden away. Other techniques such as music and score also help set the mood of the scene. When Rick and Ilsa were together, the song that Sam played (As Time Goes By) plays in the background. This shows that it the scene was important toward the development of the couple’s relationship. Another example is the scene where the Victor Laszlo and the French are singing against the Germans. This is my favorite scene in the movie. The anthems give off the feeling of empowerment and the scene displays the various reactions of the French. They seem inspired to kick the Nazis out and so does the viewer. 2. This movie is still relevant today; not only because it’s considered the standard for the classic Hollywood genre but because its themes and topics are still highly discussed today. Its premise of escaping a Nazi occupied Europe helps the viewer understand the way the people felt back during the Nazi conquest. Also the subplot of French nationalism forming helps the viewer understand that the people of these countries had not lost all hope. They still felt all of their pride. However some things in the movie may disinterest a modern viewer. Examples of this are the lack of special effects or the way that the characters speak. Some parts of the movie look very fake and this could help the viewer lose the immersion. Also, the way the characters spoke could fend off some potential audience members. It’s unlike the way people speak today, and once again this makes the movie less relatable.

Sebastian, I agree that the score and song "As Time Goes By" helped develop the various moods of the scenes. For example, using the song whenever Rick and Ilsa were together helped to reinforce the idea that they once were in love when life was easier for them. Additionally, I also like the competing national anthem scene between the French and the Germans. It must have been very emotional to watch during wartime. I especially enjoyed learning that this scene brought the actors on set to tears because so many of them were refugees who were forced to leave their countries during the war. Overall, I felt like the music, both the score, the main theme song, and the national anthems really helped to define the meaning in the film.

I agree that one of the essential elements in this movie is camera angles and lighting. I used the same example of when Rick is going to the safe and all we see is his shadow. I think that scene was the best example of camera angling. I also liked how you talked about the background music. I didnt even notice the background music when Rick and Ilsa were together. I like how you brought it up becuase its something i would go back and look for if i saw the movie again. I agree and like your examples that you used for your first responce.

I think the soundtrack in Casablanca was truly essential to the plot. My favorite scene that involved the prominent soundtrack was when Ilsa requested Sam to play “As Time Goes By.” This song is crucial to the film because the lyrics describe timeless love. Contrary to certain beliefs, I believe the song’s lyrics represent the affection between Rich and Ilsa. Even though at the end of the story they traveled different ways, Rick still exemplified a sense of high regards for Ilsa. Casablanca is surely still relevant today because of its simplicity and greatness. The story is relatively easy to follow, which is an element that is essential to Hollywood-style films today. It even set the Hollywood standard for Bogart’s character type, the anti-hero. The story was appealing to the public at its height: its setting represented the same circumstances that the world was facing at the time. As well as having a relatable setting, the story revolved around the theme of sacrifice, with which many people could relate with. Lastly, the actors who were selected to take on the characters delivered the performance excellently. Many lines are still referenced from this movie today.

Heather, Hi there. I agree that the soundtrack of the movie was very crucial to the movie. I believe that the song , “As Time Goes By,” played an important part in describing the relationship of Rick and Ilsa. The lyrics of the song also plays a part in describing how strong their relationship was. I also agree that the movie is a relatable to modern films, but the political aspect does not suit modern movies. (Although many Hollywood movies are about anything, especially politics). I do not know any movies so I cannot recommend any movies to you. Sorry.

your ass

Lol.

1) I believe the most essential elements in the movie was the camera angle and lighting. Because the movie was in black and white the lighting makes it very essential to establish importance to the character or emphasize emotions. When the director first presented Ilsa, the audience could immediately realize that she was an influential character in the movie and to Rick due to the beautiful lighting (considering the movie was supposed to be called “Everyone Goes to Rick’s”). Also, in the scene where Rick is reminiscing about his time in Paris, the moving spotlight on Rick’s face shows us how emotional he was feeling at the time. My favorite scene in the movie is when Rick is arguing with Ilsa, the first time they spoke since Paris. Transitioning from the happy flashback Rick we can see that Rick had all of his emotions bottled up since Paris and when he finally gets the chance to talk to Ilsa he comes out with everything that he wanted to tell her. I guess Rick being drunk(ish) also helped. 2) To me its an original love story that does not end so well for the lovers, but ends well politically. From the beginning, Rick is recognized to help the “losing side” and this is what he ends up doing. He brushes off his emotions and his selfish ideas to help the French, symbolically represented by Lazlo, to try and win the war. This is why I don’t believe that this is entirely relevant to movies made today. The political relevance made the movie a hit and the love story also brings a broader audience to enjoy. The fact that it is a love story in the time of war could disinterest someone who does not like romantic movies, but overall it was the best black and white movie I’ve seen (also the only black and white movie I’ve seen).

1) This film had many essential elements to it, such as lighting, costumes and music. Lighting helped express the character’s emotions, like when Rick was seen drinking for the first time. The viewer could truly see Rick’s sadness and change of character after he saw Ilsa, and that he still had feeling for her when he began drinking alone in the dark. Another essential element to the movie was the costumes. Rick’s white tuxedo and pulled back hair fit his bold character. Also in the flashback his flowing hair and suite reflected his old soft side of him. Finally, the music played a very important role in the movie. The song “As Time Goes By” played when Rick and Ilsa were together and it represented their relationship. 2) The movie Casa Blanca Is considered a standard for classic Hollywood; according to many. Audiences can truly see its elements in many works today. First, the classic love story between two lovers, but then they find out there is another person. This idea still draws in many modern viewers to this very day. Also, the use of Nazis to give the viewer a sense of how they looked like and acted. They also showed the rivalries between other people, like the French. Finally, people can get a sense on how social life was back then. This movie shows the songs they listened to, the games they played in bars, and the use of drugs back then.

Hector, I agree that the lighting, costumes and music were essential elements to the movie. Since the movie is in black and white, the lighting does play a major role with the characters’ emotions. Also, the costumes do emphasize the characters’ personality. Rick’s white tuxedo and pulled back hair did fit his bold character, which is something that I really didn’t notice. The song “As Time Goes By” does fit with Rick and Ilsa’s relationship. Overall, you had a nice response but you have to more cautious with your grammar.

This movie did have a huge variety of costumes and did play off them alot.Rick was seen drinking in a dim light,timid music playing in the backround,and a white tuxido.Emotion matches with a depressed setting and a very dull costume to play off of.

Many elements where essential in the film but the most important out of them would have to be lighting, soundtrack, and costumes. Lighting is a very important aspect because it shows the tension between the characters and the important scenes throughout the movie. Though the movie was black and white, lighting symbolized color. Soundtrack was also a very important aspect because it showed the feeling of the movie and would have never been as successful without it. Costumes was as well was very important because it actually shows the characters real traits and the best example for that is Rick, the main protagonist. Throughout the movie Rick always wore a tuxedo and act like the typical cool and tough guy. Though in the flash back, Rick wore a suit, but he was more cheerful and less fierce. My most favorite scene from the movie would have to be when Elsa was about to leave out of Casablanca and was speaking to Rick one last time before she leaves with her husband. I thought this scene was my favorite because it was a very emotional scene and very romantic. The music, lighting, and acting were very superb. Overall this movie was very splendid and this was my first black and white movie I have ever watched. I still think this movie is relevant today because it was the first to set a bar for Hollywood movie. Again many elements where shown during the movie but lighting, costumes, and soundtrack were the most important. Casablanca was the first movie in my opinion to make the impossible. They had an amazing cast and very intriguing soundtrack. However, there were some minor flaws throughout the movie. Flaws’ including the speech was too fast during the movie and how the back ground sometimes does not seem realistic. Beside those two flaws, this movie seemed very original and stunning for its time and even in today’s modern time.

:* i love your answer :*

I did too Vishy (:

Although the movie Casa Blanca is a classic Hollywood movie, I think it is not relevant today. One main disinterest a modern viewer would have is that the movie is not in color. Movies today are always made with color, so people are used to having color. So to watch a movie without color would be a huge distraction to a viewer and the first thing that would pop in their head is “this movie is boring”. A second reason this movie is irrelevant to today is that the movie was based on real life situations during that time period. People during that time period could relate to the movie or understand it better. However, people today might not understand some of their jokes, not understand the point of the movie, or they would not be able to relate to it. These are some reasons people today would not find interest in this movie.

Amairani, I completely agree with you that this movie Casablanca was not relevant to today’s modern viewers. The black and white is a turn off for people who really can’t get into that. The fact that this movie is based off a specific time period is also makes it not as appealing. A movie today that’s kind of like Casablanca in terms of the historical background is Zero Dark Thirty. The movie talks about 9/11 and the events that follow. But, I have to say that this movie is relevant in terms of the timeless love story two people that want to be together but can’t. The movie would interest people in that aspect.

Amairani, I agree. Most people would most likely add a predetermined opinion about Casablanca due to the lack of color. This movie is in no doubt "old" so the context and dialogue would definitely out of date! On the contrary, most people watching Casablanca would appreciate its originality and roots. Yes, the movie is in black and white but that is how movies started out. Many people enjoy the "old time" Cartoons in black and white so what makes a legendary movie any different? Its all Point of View. Would you think more people will like the movie and the whole plot itself would change if Casablanca were to be redone in color?

1. In the movie Casa Blanca there were many elements that were an important part of the movie. For example the characters attitude played a huge role in this movie. We see how in the beginning Rick is a hard,serious, and non emotional person. However, when he sees Ilsa again he reveals his weak side. This shows that she is really important to him. This foreshadows that Rick will do anything for her. A second essential element in this movie is lighting and camera angles. This sets up the mood of the movie. For example when Rick goes to his safe we don't see him, all we see is his shadow. This shows that Rick has many important things in his safe. These are some essential elements in the movie.

1. In the movie Casablanca I thought that the lighting and camera angle were essential in the creation of his film. Both the lighting and the camera angles help to portray and show us the many different emotions and feelings of the character, and they often set the mood and tone of the scene. Since there was no color to emphasize certain emotions the lighting and camera angels did that, for example when Rick is drinking after he insults Ilsa the room in very dark and you see many shadows. In that scene you know he’s depressed and sad he didn’t need to say anything we could of figured it out from the lighting. Also, the way the camera does close up shots really shows the characters true feelings we could see the pain in their faces and happiness. When Ilsa asked Sam to play their song and they focused on her face we could see her thinking about something that was very meaningful to her and the camera angle captured it, if they angle was different it might not have been as meaningful. 2. I think this movie is relevant and not at the same time. I feel the story about two people that love each but can’t be together appeals to the modern viewer. Also the characters people might see themselves or people they know connecting to a certain character but that might be it. For me I found myself not as interested in the movie as I thought I would be. I feel the way the characters talk could be a turnoff for many modern day viewers and also the black and white. But for people that don’t mind the old Hollywood style this movie would be relevant.

1. The essential elements in the movie were lighting and music. The flashback scene, with Rick and Ilsa was a favorite scene in the film. It shows that when Rick was with Ilsa in Paris, he was actually satisfied with his life. The music and lighting was a major role in this scene because the music was romantic which emphasized the mood of the characters. The romantic music that was being played while they were driving shows the audience how much love the characters share for each other. In addition to this, the lighting shows the characters emotions due to the fact that movie is in black and white. The audience is able to tell if an important character walks in a scene, because usually the spotlight is mainly on that character only. When Ilsa walked into the bar when Rick was drunk, the spotlight mainly focused on her. 2. The film is still relevant today and it is consider the standard for classic Hollywood. The theme of love is a major element that draws the viewer into the movie. Some famous lines that were in the movie are still very popular today: “He was looking at you kid” (Rick). The movie also portrays historical context, it shows how people avoided Nazis back then, and what they were able to do to escape. This film will always be remembered in the film industry.

Jimmy, I agree with your thoughts about the score in the film. The romantic music definitely set the mood for the flashback scenes with Rick and Ilsa. I also agree with your opinions on the lighting. How the lighting focused significant characters was something that I didn't really notice. The lighting also helped soften the characters features; making them seem more perfect. I mostly agree with your review although there were some grammatical errors.

I agree with your statement referring to Rick and Ilsa in Paris and how it was a major role. I also say that the lighting is also important with the film. I think that the soundtrack in the movie was essential also because of the fact it did help set the romantic mood. I like how you explained the relationship between Rich and Ilsa. I also agree that this movie is a classic because of the quotes and historical facts.

1. The elements of the film Casablanca that I liked and stood out were the costumes that the characters wore. They were both essential to the movie and put more interesting details on the characters. For example, the costumes really brought out emotion and who the character was like Rick’s, as a fine saloon owner he was, he was serious and to the point of helping no one but himself. His costume really fit because it showed his seriousness and the way he handled business as a businessman. But, when the costume changed so did the character, like in a flashback in Paris (France) when Rick met a young women named Elsa and fell head over heels for her. He was a different Rick at that time and it showed because he was smiling and wore more color than usual.

Hello William, I agree with you about the costumes.The costume do play a role in the movie.in the beginning we see Rick in a nice tailored tux. And the way he act when he is in this tux is completely different when he was in the flashback.Willie I like your observation skills keep it up. :)

thank you jason...shave it tho

Good job William I see that you payed attention to the movie. I agree with you cause I thought the same way as you. Like Rick in the flash back how he looked more relax and his costume showed it and when it went back he was a cold blooded person.

William, I agree with your opinion on how the costumes fit each character in the film. Rick’s white tux and even his hairstyle fit his bold character. Then, when they changed the costume so did the character, as you said. For example, in the flashback Rick was wearing a regular suite and had flowing hair to reflect his old soft side when he was in love with Ilsa. I also think the Nazis had their own special costumes to help the viewer easily identify them.

William I like how costumes stood out to you but i think lighting was the most important because it shows the significant scene of the movie. Costume however, was a major factor as well. I think one movie which had the best costume was The Great Gatsby. This movie was my favorite and only black and white movie i have ever seen.

In the movie Casablanca the director shows us a flashback , soundtrack , lighting, and camera angle. In the movie Casablanca the director shows the viewers a flashback of Rick and Ilsa in Paris. This was a major part of the movie in my eyes it shows us a change in mood, Rick does have a good heart and isn’t cold hearted. The choice of the song “As Time Goes By “ gives a foreshadow of the trip in Paris. During the movie, the soundtrack of this movie really shows us what the scene is telling us and what feeling we should have. Also the moment in Ricks Cafe when the germans begin to sing their national anthem and also the french began singing their national anthem, the director uses a pan shot to be able to see everyone in the cafe singing their anthem. Through the film there is lighting that brings out the feeling of the characters and the tone of the film. I think this movie would be relevant in today’s era because it is a classic and everyone enjoys a love story. Also i think that its surprising ending is great to see. People also can relate to struggles and having to deal with relationships . I think that the major part is your country and your opinion of your country. Patriotism is if you are proud of your country or not. This movie brings love and mystery altogether which a lot of people like. The majority of people will enjoy the characters and how they react to each other and how they truly see each other. In conclusion, the movie is an important classic.Rick is a major character that draws in people because of his mystery.

Good job samantha. I agree with your comment because it refers to Rick and Ilsa properly with the flashback. I really liked the movie too. Your comments and ideas make the movie seem even better than what it really is because you make the main theme pop out even more. This movie is similar to the movie "The Notebook" because its a love story. Towards the beginning of the movie, the two main characters break up and soon get back together at the end.

1.In the movie Casablanca what stood out to me was the music.In my opinion I believe that it was crucial to the movie and it made the movie a hit. The music was used throughout the movie and it was the perfect song for the movie.The song was perfect song for the protagonists Rick and Ilsa. And it was used throughout the movie when these character arrive on the scene. To me this symbolizes the love they had for each other.Without this element the movie in my opinion would not have been remembered. 2.In my opinion I believe this movie would still be relevant today.It has elements that are used in every movie I can think of like the cliche love story we all know and love.Also Casablanca is a must see for anybody who likes movies.There is a reason why it's a classic.Casablanca has all the formula that make a great movie.It has an amazing love story it's action pact and you feel a connected to the movie,and the soundtrack is amazing.If you haven't seen this classic go out and watch it.

No way i liked the music too. It did set the mood and played throughout the movie. By the way shave the beard.

i agree with william you should shave your beard and also the music does set the mood of love but its not relevant now because some scenes a look fake :*

What is the name of the song? I also agree the music is very crucial to the movie and made it a hit. I disagree with you about the movie not being remembered without the music the movie would still have been a hit.

if you like the music you should see JAWS

totally agree with you jason the music was an important thing to the movie. I am telling you that you should see all the Jaw movies

I do not agree with victor that the movie Casablanca's music is anything near to jaws the movie. First of all the suspense of the music is way different and there where filmed in different time periods so this shows that they wanted more things modern.

Please can you Discuss the stylistic/formal elements in a specific scene or sequence--for example, the flashback sequence--that are significantly different from those same elements in rest of the film. What thematic or narrative meaning does this break in the pattern suggest? Movie: Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)

What do you think when you hear the word “classic” with movies? I know I think of a little romantic, mysterious, and surprising Casablanca. The jump start to legendary movies begins here with serious costume work, puzzling camera views to help viewers catch a glimpse at future events and/or characters, and stunning musical compositions including “As Time Goes By” played by Dooley Wilson on “Sam’s Piano.” A personal favorite scene in the film would be the closer to the ending. Rick (Humphrey Bogart) began to realize that Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) after all this time belongs not with himself, but with her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Humphrey Bogart as “Rick” was always a self-sufficient, blunt, and self orientated character. Michael Curtiz, the director of casablanca, showed a vast change between character thought and conflict! This imagery and massive change in situation would motivate the movie-goers to watch and not doze off… Want an example? First, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) felt horrid about leaving Rick (Humphrey Bogart). She left him for her husband. Later, the scars of love were left with rick to bear. All the conflict and constant change of emotion make the film exactly what it is in comparison to many films today. In the present day, Casablanca would be known for its legendary technique and use by many modern films we all love to watch.

Hi Sade, I agree with the emphasis you gave on that specific ending scene of the film. It is truly a sophisticated scene that exemplifies a great sense of agony that has been transcribed to modern films of this day. It is undoubtedly a legendary movie known for its techniques in emotion portrayal. Without the precedent of this awesome portrayal of emotion, the plot-creating scene in Hollywood would not be as well versed in the same area as it is now. This scene had undeniably shaped the future of agonizing scenes from then on, setting a high standard and inspiring subsequent story-plots.

Please can you Discuss the stylistic/formal elements in a specific scene or sequence--for example, the flashback sequence--that are significantly different from those same elements in rest of the film. What thematic or narrative meaning does this break in the pattern suggest? Movie: Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)

I think Camera angles and flashback were essential in the movie because without the proper lighting and camera angles, it wouldn’t be as romantic and loveable as the way the director thought it should be. My favorite scene is when ilsa and her husband took off in the plane because it a symbol of sadness and romance. I think the movie is not as relevant today because it’s an old movie and it’s in white and black. But at the same time, the movie is legendary and it was one of the first movies made and it originated in Hollywood.

The music, storyline, setting and costume work during Casablanca make it a great movie because of its typical storyline and forbidden love plot. Also, the music makes it relevant today because a lot of aspiring new directors like to use the same background information used from Casablanca. The music blended into each scene to give the viewers an extra understanding of what was going on in each scene. Casablanca was one of the first movies to show forbidden love and unforgiven lies, heartache, and memories. Casablanca is relevant today because a lot of movie workers like to reuse legendary sets and plots seen in modern movies. Many schools also use Casablanca in film class too.

Please can you Discuss the stylistic/formal elements in a specific scene or sequence--for example, the flashback sequence--that are significantly different from those same elements in rest of the film. What thematic or narrative meaning does this break in the pattern suggest? Movie: Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)

The scene in Casablanca that I felt had the most memorable elements of the film, such as camera angles, score, costume, and lighting, was the scene when Rick (Humphrey Bogart) was sitting alone in his bar, with Sam (Dooley WIlson) there to comfort him. The lighting was especially dim, with some lighting on Rick. I guess it was that way to emphasize that this was definitely Rick’s scene. What was even better, was the fact that he was drinking alcohol, which meant he was really in emotional pain. Everything about that scene was perfect. Even the music in the background, as Sam plays on his piano “As Time Goes By” at the request of Rick. Casablanca is noted for its standard classic Hollywood style. I think this film is still relevant today due to its continuous feel. The scenes look like they flow together nicely. The editing was done in a manner that it wouldn't look confusing to the viewer. Even the development of the characters were impressive. Also, the classic love story between Rick and Ilsa was captivating to the audience. The fact that Rick and Ilsa had history together made the movie even more interesting.. Everyone loves a classic love story, and Casablanca did an outstanding job at fulfilling this.

1. In my opinion I think that costume and music was a big part of the movie. The costume helped a lot to develop the movie cause when Rick was at the bar he was dressed as a cold blooded person who didn't care but when he had the flash back he was a happy man and his clothes showed it. Music was a big thing cause thats how they could have really expressed their feelings. When they sing the anthem that was reeling emotional and it most have been hard for them at that time of war for them. The music also helped show the love between Rick and Elsa.

I believe that the camera angles, lighting, and music were very important for the movie to be a success. The scene where Rick was opening the safe and all you could see is his shadow was a great scene. Yes, i believe this movie is still relevant today. I think the lighting and the acting would still draw viewers into the movie.

2. The elements that still draw the viewer into the movie is the first person of view. This draws the viewer in cause this allows people to see what they feel and see. This view of person is good cause this is what engages people and make them feel scare or interested in it.

1.In the movie we watched Jones has things that are the same with Rick and have things that are not the same. Some examples are they both have the leading role in the movie they are the hero of the people. They also do the right things even the odds are big. One more thong they have the same is that they both do it for love. ome of the things they are diffrent is that Rick was a hard feeling men at the start but at the end he was happy. On the other hand Jones was always a stratight never changed.

4. Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ilsa from Casablanca are completely different characters. Ilsa is a quite shy girl who has a conflit on what to do if stay with Rick or go with her husban. She is not a charecter that is fun she`s a girl that is just there. On the other hand Marion is a fun charecter and she is very modern she drinks alot and she is not afraid to fight or step up as a women. She is not a push over.

The most recent movie I watchesd was fast five. I think that it was a good movie cause

In the movie Raiders Of The Lost Ark the author uses costumes, and sounds to set the mood. For example, when Indiana Jones swings off the rope and ends up in the water at the beginning of the movie, they play the music which sets the tone. The Costume maker bought the hat and then had to make it look old and dingy. Also with the jacket the costume maker made the jacket seem old as if indiana had wore that jacket everyday of his life. In the scene of the snakes there was a glass between Indiana and a king cobra which makes it look realistic in the film. You would never know the glass would be there. In the movie Raiders Of The Lost Ark marion and Ilsa ( Ingrid Bergman) from Cassablanca are different because Marion ( karen Alen) is more hard core and a big drinker. The main scene in the movie that shows the difference between these characters is when Marion was in her bar and she was having a drinking contest with a man. But in casablanca you see Ilsa very quiet at first . She is more a calm person like when she walked in the bar and sat and was looked around for Rick. Unlike when Indiana came in to see Marion, she screamed and yelled with a passion. This shows that women in the 1980’s where more tempered and had more of a different light of how a women should act. Also that women should act anyway they would like.

1. The Life of Pi serve as a modern example of the Hollywood Style because they used a fake tiger and this was done with a computer just as will as the scenes with the sun set and the tiger showing the baby face.

2. All the movies show we have seen hope is a big thing because all the movie we seen if there was no hope then all the characters would have gave up and the movie would be over.

3. My favorite part of the movie was when the tiger did the baby face because in real life they can't do that and I I thought it was really cute. My favorite was also when the sun set was on I thought that was really cool because that's something you don't see every day.

The Mise-en-scéne elements of Casablanca, which were most essential to the success of this film were the directing style, cinematography, and lighting. The directing style of Michael Curtiz was more of a tell versus show approach he didn’t focus so much on the visual aspects of the film as much as he did trying to tell the story to the best of his ability in direction. The cinematography and lighting style changes from time to time within the film, however as a viewer I could tell it was a goal to pay specific attention to lead actress Ingrid Bergman and making her overall look through the cinematic choices. Throughout the film the cinematography gives a feeling of nostalgia. This is often seen through the shots which had the most diffusion and affinity to them. This is most noticeable when viewing any medium or close-up shot of Ingrid Bergman they use this because it gives her a very sad yet genuine look in which she is throughout the film. To top it off and give her that extra sad look if we look far enough into her eyes. We see little beads of light in the center of her pupils this is due to a light, maybe a Fresnel light or a catch light all the way on spot and not flood to give in that extra sharp feel when bouncing from her eyes to the camera. Towards the end of the film the cinematography style dramatically changes to the typical dark film noir and expressionist lighting. The use of shadows is prominent throughout the film, which also not only adds to the film noir element but the classic one as well. I believe this film is still considered the classic standard of Hollywood Cinema because of these elements as well as the fact that films like this weren’t done back in 1942. It was a film which went over $75,000 in their budget, and they certainly didn’t make giant movies as big as this production about the Nazi Regime when it was taking place. I also believe that this film is relevant to today, not only to America but to the rest of the world who face terror from outside countries. I believe it’s even more so prevalent with ISIS around, it the world’s modern day Nazi’s that’s the scariest part of how this film is proof that history does repeat itself and for a movie to tackle this kind of message midway into cinema’s life, is fascinating and truly unbelievable for its time. The elements which draw the viewer to this fantastic film is the story, I truly believe director Michael Curtiz achieved his goal in focusing on telling the story it truly showed. Something that would disinterest the viewer is first that is it so old not many people from younger generations appreciate the past. Another thing would be, more people now-a-days are more interested in the visual aspects telling the story versus the dialogue. This film lacks that, which could be a concern for younger generations.

nah mate

In the film Casablanca the Cinematography was key. For instance in the scene, Here’s Looking At You, Kid , The intense close ups made it very rushed and personal which gave more to the emotion of the characters that were going through that state. The actress Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund was always well-lit and looking radiant with love and wanting. The dramatic close up when Ilsa’s husband leaves for the luggage and give hers her time to spend with her ex and still love give a more intense and dire feeling. When Rick and Ilsa have a serious conversation about their relationship we see once again a fast and fluid close up. The love that seemed so large and romantic has now become small and intimate with incredible intensity. The movie Casablanca is very much a relevant movie in today’s world. It deals with a heavy topic of loving someone and letting him or her go for that reason. Through out time and towards the future many people will have to face the decision of letting someone you love go. Whether that’s death or letting someone go for the better. It is a reoccurring theme that everyone does go through. An element that may draw in the audience is introduction of having a lost love come back but having them belong to another. The sense of rivalry and a love triangle will always bring an audience. The love in this particular film draws us in and captivates us to find out what will happen next. The historical aspect of the film also is very relevant and will continue to carry on a viewing for entertainment purposes.

Please can you Discuss the stylistic/formal elements in a specific scene or sequence--for example, the flashback sequence--that are significantly different from those same elements in rest of the film. What thematic or narrative meaning does this break in the pattern suggest? Movie: Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)

Discuss the stylistic/formal elements in a specific scene or sequence--for example, the flashback sequence--that are significantly different from those same elements in rest of the film. What thematic or narrative meaning does this break in the pattern suggest? Movie: Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)

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