Interpretation of Film

Cinematic Techniques in Casablanca: Cinematography and Mise-en-Scène Name of the Student Institutional Affiliation Course Code and Course Name Professor Date of Submission Cinematic Techniques in Casablanca: Cinematography and Mise-en-Scène Michael Curtiz’s “Casablanca (1942)” is a famous example, famous for its best storytelling, a romantic jewel of a jewel, which is rightfully so, made fantastic with the synthesis of cinematography and mise-en-scène. The interplay between these two compositional elements presents the film's themes of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity in a way that resonates with generations of audiences. So, by seeing how these things work together, we can get a feel for how profound an impact the movie has had and what it means for the human condition. Cinematography and Mise-en-Scène: An Integrative Relationship Cinematography Casablanca uses cinematography, such as lensing, lighting, and framing, to increase the emotional tone of scenes. Lighting in the film is in high contrast with the result that often stark shadows appear, which in turn mirror the moral dilemmas for the actors. For example, in Rick's Café Américain, light, and shadow play with Rick Blaine's character, which displays the duality in Rick's personality as a cynical bar owner vs. his inside turmoil and love for Ilsa Lund. This shadowy use strikes a visual payoff, enriching the film while underlining the characters' struggle in the turn of dark circumstances rendered by World War II. Casablanca's camera movements also contribute to how the audience feels (Education, n.d). They often employ close-ups to capture the character's expressions in poignant moments. The audience could feel Rick's nostalgia and heartache because the close-up of Rick as he listened to “As Time Goes By” drew them into his world. The intimate framing allows the viewer to live them, to feel them, to feel what the character feels. Mise-en-Scène Within Casablanca, mise-en-scène is the arrangement of elements in the frame: set design, props, and costumes. The film provides a beautiful backdrop of a war-torn city overrun with spies and refugees, which in itself increases the stakes for these people. Even the café — with its bright decor and a wide variety of clientele — can stand in for the broader world at once a place of hope and despair. The café is a sanctuary amid the chaos, starkly contrasting the grim realities behind the colorful lights and lively music (Jensen & Salmose, 2022). There is no more distinctive telling of character relationships and social status than in costuming. At the back, the Nazi officers wear military uniforms while Rick's casual yet stylish and about as far from the military signals his outsider, politically ch...