Casablanca: The Cafe Scene
Casablanca: The Café Scene
Mis-en-scen: The café itself is full of people, who all appear to have alterior motives other than passing time at Rick's café. As the scene continues we see a variety of different people, however at multiple stages we see characters in a dire situation being taken advantage of by the wealthier people of casablanca (while all customers appear wealthier than most during this era). The café is also covered in smoke, due to the amount of casual heaby smoking in indoor areas during this era, however this could perhaps signify the 'shady' characters within Rick's café.
Lighting: The café has an abundance of lamps and lights to create a splendour of shadows on the walls and ceiling. This could also be a psychical interpretation of the criminal activity taking place in the café. Another use of lighting is during the start of the scene where the spotlight follows Captain Renault and others to the front door of the café and is absent throughout the rest of the scene. This could suggest that the people of casablanca are under constant surveillance, however they are under a less watchful eye as they enter Rick's café, which is why it is a hot-spot for criminal plans. This could also be a representation of Rick's mentality at the start of the film, as the circling spotlight is a constant reminder that the world is at war, however Rick decides to be utterly neutral during the war, which is why members of conflicting nations are all seen in the café together.
Cinematography: While ordinary now, the cinematography in this scene may have been considered creative during the 1940's. However, by having the camera slowly pan across the café from the perspective of the customers creates a personal view from the audience as well as present the shady nature of the café in a fluid and natural manner.
Mis-en-scen: The café itself is full of people, who all appear to have alterior motives other than passing time at Rick's café. As the scene continues we see a variety of different people, however at multiple stages we see characters in a dire situation being taken advantage of by the wealthier people of casablanca (while all customers appear wealthier than most during this era). The café is also covered in smoke, due to the amount of casual heaby smoking in indoor areas during this era, however this could perhaps signify the 'shady' characters within Rick's café.
Lighting: The café has an abundance of lamps and lights to create a splendour of shadows on the walls and ceiling. This could also be a psychical interpretation of the criminal activity taking place in the café. Another use of lighting is during the start of the scene where the spotlight follows Captain Renault and others to the front door of the café and is absent throughout the rest of the scene. This could suggest that the people of casablanca are under constant surveillance, however they are under a less watchful eye as they enter Rick's café, which is why it is a hot-spot for criminal plans. This could also be a representation of Rick's mentality at the start of the film, as the circling spotlight is a constant reminder that the world is at war, however Rick decides to be utterly neutral during the war, which is why members of conflicting nations are all seen in the café together.
Cinematography: While ordinary now, the cinematography in this scene may have been considered creative during the 1940's. However, by having the camera slowly pan across the café from the perspective of the customers creates a personal view from the audience as well as present the shady nature of the café in a fluid and natural manner.
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