Theme Of Mise En Scene In Casablanca

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Casablanca is a visually sound film in its use of Hollywood craftsmanship during the 1940’s. The director, Michael Curtiz, and the writers, Howard Koch, Julius Epstein, and Philip Epstein, all won Oscars for their contributions including best director and best writing. The film has numerous successes, however, with its use of mise-en-scene, timeless writing, and cinematographic elements.
The first major success of Casablanca is the impeccable use of mise-en-scene. Mise-en- scene is a key element in representing the character for who they really are. For example, in the scene with Rick and Annina, Rick is still an ethically ambiguous character but he is dressed in all white, the color of goodness or nobility. This gives the viewer mixed signals but it adheres to the illusion that, regardless of his actions, Rick can be trusted and will make an ethical decision in the end. Another example is the use of alcohol, a pertinent motif, as a representation of Rick. Whenever Rick is seen drinking, he is by himself or is confronted with a problem. This tendency and dependency of Rick’s drinkin...

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