A Written Analysis Of Casablanca (1942)
During Rick's cafe scene, classic Hollywood style is clearly and successfully used to create meaning and audience response. These adept uses of conventions, such as mise-en-scene and cinematography, subtly add to the context and help provoke feelings of intrigue and tension within the audience. Throughout the cafe scene, Rick is mentioned multiple times but not seen until the last moment. This leaves an atmosphere of mystery and furthers the importance that Rick's character holds, as everyone wants to talk to him. Just as the camera enters the bar, a spotlight is seen shining and moving outside of the building, which connotes the idea of surveillance, and this helps portray the almost military feel of Casablanca. Everyone in Casablanca wants to escape, and the area is almost this purgatory that they're all stuck in, especially due to the fact that it's under French control, but France is now under Nazi rule. Spotlights are also commonly associated with glamour and e...