Casablanca:Classical Imagery
Casablanca surely is a classical film. The measure of patriotism illustrated throughout the entire motion picture is noteworthy. During World War II, people desperately needed symbols of hope and good character. Many of the characteristics displayed are idolized in present day. Bosley Crowther describes Casablanca as, “A combined sentiment, humor and pathos with taut melodrama and bristling intrigue that the result is a highly entertaining and even inspiring film”. Casablanca’s setting in Morocco provided a neutral melting pot for Czech’s, German’s, Nazi’s and American’s to lodge. Rick’s bar is a clever location that invites everyone; liquor was their primary pain killer for injustice.
Taking a closer look into the movie Casablanca, lighting, color and frame shots contributed largely to the films reputation. Color is used as an attention grabber that separates the main characters from the supporting cast. White earmarked as a color of power, notice all the people who make power plays and are represented as leading characters at some point have on white. It is not hard to signify the usage of contrasting colors in efforts to appeal to the viewers.
The collaboration of short lens and wide-angles lenses allowed viewers to see everyone pictured while lighting help the eye focus in one particular direction. Sam the pianists and Rick are positioned in the front- middle of the room yet we are able to observe everyone in the bar. This technique is called selective focusing. The images in front are clear while as the cinematographer’s special effects fades the faces towards the back returning the eye back to Rick and Sam.
Above the two men is a hanging light that is not turned on. The photographer’s obvious source of light is not used to illuminate the two men. The dismissal of available light maximized the attention away from the fixture narrowing a view on each character. Whereas, in the back of the room we see the light fixture lit drawing attention to faceless characters.
Movements towards and away from the camera exaggerated the short lens and medium shots. The rapid movement of the camera creates the illusion that people are moving fast and time is not to be wasted. Each take was arranged in a variation of high key and low key. This variation, in addition to music foreshadows the upcoming emotions in each take. The director’s position is evident during these transitions because he is responsible to maintain the overall theme of the flick minus an obvious alteration. Michael Curtiz’s adaptation to the emotions displayed along with his faith coupled his vision of the ending reserving Casablanca’s the stature as one of the greatest movies produced. This time less, elegant piece of work is celebrated seventy years after its first appearance on the big screen.
In the end, Rick’s noble approach to celebrate his love for Lisa was slightly unbelievable yet understood. The hero always has to make sacrifice. In rick’s case the woman whom he loved was worth sending away from danger in the arms of another man. His flash backs of Paris and perception of a life with Lisa could no longer taint his thoughts or interrupt his plan for restoration. Ironically, although Renault’s consistent streak of darkness is highlighted throughout the film we see a beautiful friendship transform. Renault’s character displayed greed and crooked behaviors yet he is the one fading into the mist with the hero and sacrificial main character Rick. This depiction alone shows good must exist with bad and bad with good.
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