There’s no denying that “Casablanca” is considered one of
the best movies ever made. What’s interesting about this is that no one that
was involved with making this movie thought that they were making such a masterpiece.
The movie had a tight budget and was not expected to do so well. However, “Casablanca”
with its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and intense love story became
one of the most popular films of all time.
The lighting in this movie proved to be very effective. When
Ilsa came to visit Rick in the café the night that she and her husband arrived
in Casablanca to explain why she left him in Paris, the lighting was very dark.
It gave a sense of despair and sadness. These were the emotions that Rick
seemed to be experiencing, as we could tell by his dialogue with Sam, his
pianist and friend. When Rick flashed back to his time in Paris with Ilsa, the
lighting became a lot brighter, setting a happy and joyous mood. This reflected
their happiness and intense love.
There were many other moments that had dark lighting, such
as at the airport when Rick was trying to assist Ilsa and Laszlo in escaping to
America. Here, Rick killed an officer, which is also a dark part of the movie.
He had to say goodbye to Ilsa, whom he loved so much he gave up his own
happiness for hers. This was also paired with him agreeing with what Laszlo was
fighting for. This made Rick a hero.
Another important part of lighting was showing Ilsa’s face
that was so often filled with such emotion. I believe they used a three-point
lighting technique to really show her emotions. According to Ebert on “Casablanca,”
the actress playing Ilsa didn’t know what the ending of the movie was going to
be until they shot the scene at the airport. This made her emotions so much
more realistic.
Although “Casablanca” has a lot of characteristics of film noir,
I wouldn’t consider it to fall under that category completely. One reason is
because I don’t believe Ilsa to be manipulative or use her sexuality to get
what she wants. Also, I don’t believe Rick was a sinister character, which is
the case for most film noir movies. However, the film does have some characteristics
of film noir, such as a melancholy mood. However, “Casablanca” also has comedy
and humor, showing it is not all melancholy. Also, this film was filmed with
mostly darker lighting, with gloomy appearances and cigarette smoke filling
most scenes. These are also characteristics of film noir. Most film noirs ended
unhappily. People could argue whether the ending of “Casablanca” was a happy or
not. In my opinion, the ending was both happy and sad. Ilsa and Laszlo got to
go to America, which was happy because they got to stay together and Laszlo
could continue his fight. Rick became great friends with the police chief
stating “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” I believe
this, too, to be happy. However, it is heartbreaking that the two lovers, Rick
and Ilsa, had to part.
Source:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19960915/REVIEW/401010308/1023
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