Casablanca analysis

ricks bar scene

The cinematography [which is the use of camera shots and camera movements]for this scene is Casa Blanca is when we are first introduced to Ricks bar and the spotlight is moving  past Ricks bar but does not go inside as the doors stop it. This is supposed to show that refugees are safe in Ricks bar and is where they shelter as the Nazis cannot see them in there.  When we first see the exterior of Ricks bar, this is an establishing shot. another use of cinematography in this scene is when were in Ricks diner and the camera is panning from left to right so we can see the whole bar and allows us to take in the atmosphere of the bar and what kind of people come to this bar. The lighting in Ricks bar is bright and illuminating due to the white jackets being worn and the lamps in the background.

For the editing, when we first see inside Ricks bar the film is edited to make it feel as if we were a visitor going inside for the first time. We follow the camera through the bar doors and mix with the characters in one slow take. the slow, handheld camera technique is then followed by camera shots as they then focus on one of the characters. This static hold and pan away editing technique allows us to be interested in a lot of the customers sitting at the tables as if we were spending time looking at these people for the first time. The restless editing makes our visit to the bar seem realistic and confusing, as if there is so much to take in we keep looking at different tables.

For the mise en scene [which is the background, props and costume] there is a scene where two people are at a table and one of their suit is white which contrasts with the other who's suit is black. this is because he cannot leave Casa Blanca and accepts he will die here. the use of the black suit is to show his life is grim, while the others suit is white which shows he has no problems. everyone is dressing formally, this is to show wealthy people come to Ricks bar [e.g a character owning the second largest bank]. another use of mise en scene is when the background fades from light to dark as it reaches the person on the right as if to show his life is more bleak and that he is a lot more pessimistic. He is also holding a beer bottle in his hand which is part of the use of props. another prop being used is before we see Rick and can only see his arm as he's  playing chess. this could suggest he's an intellectual and analytical person.

The use of sound in casa Blanca is at the start as we hear the voiceover which gives us some information about Casablanca.  The voiceover was used often in films from the 1940s and is usually used only at the start and does not appear again. music is used when Sam plays 'it had to be you' medley on piano. This is used as the camera moves around the bar and we get a good look at it. There is dialogue between characters so nothing is missing there although we don't get to see Rick this scene or hear from him.

for performance [body language, reaction to others] there are two characters, one of them is trying to get out of Casablanca, the other is not looking directly at him or following his gaze. this is supposed to show he doesn't want to help him or be involved. His body language also suggests he wants to get up and leave. The casting is right as they are good actors and the actor for Sam is right due to his performance of the piano throughout the movie as the songs are an important part to this film as they trigger memories for Rick.