Casablanca
In the first few scenes of Casablanca we are
introduced to all of the characters which hold relevance in the plot; all
except one- Rick. Throughout the opening scenes we are partially introduced to
Rick through the description of other characters, however we do not see him
until scene three. In this scene cinematography, costume choice and editing are
used not only as a way of introducing Rick, but also as a way of conveying the
type of character he is and the decisions that he is going to make.
The scene is opened with an establishing shot of
Rick’s café. This is done as a way of introducing the audience to Rick before
we even see him since characters in films are often characterised by the job
that they do. From this shot, we are not only able to see what Rick’s job is,
but also a peak into the type of establishment he is running. This shot is
quite brightly lit, however there seems to be a dark shadow hanging over Rick’s
café. This could be suggestive of both the fact that there could be some dodgy
dealings going on the café and that Rick’s character could possess a dark side.
The next shot after the establishing shot is inside Rick’s café. Here we see a
number of characters sitting at many different tables, with the camera not
focusing on any particular character for a long period of time, showing that
none of them hold any importance to the storyline as a whole. The fact that
camera is moving fast emphasises the fact that all of these characters are on
the same level and are being used as a platform to introduce a character that
is actually significant- Rick. After the
audience is briefly introduced to the minor characters the shot is cut and we
then see a piece of paper, which looks similar to cheque. This is one of the
only things in this scene that is in close up, which strongly suggests that it
hold some sort of significance. I think that was done as a way of putting
forward the idea that a single signature could important in term of how the
story ends. Before we are introduced to Rick we see a close up of the table
that he is sitting at. The items that are on Rick’s table are; a cigarette, an
ashtray and an empty wine class- showing the audience that Rick is a typical
man of the 1940’s. On the table, we also a chess board. When the camera is
zoomed out we see that Rick is playing chess by itself. This suggests that Rick
is alone, both romantically and platonically and that his main priority in his
life is himself.
Throughout this scene editing is also used as a way of
presenting the story. In this scene, invisible editing is used as a way of
creating a sort of linear narration. Even though in this scene traditional
editing methods are used, we are also able to see that whenever we are
introduced to a new character. This is again emphasises the fact that most, if
not all of the characters in this scene are not important. It also implies that
even though these characters are not significant to the story of Casablanca
they might be important in what may be their own story. Before we see Rick, there
are a number of indications which suggests which type of character he is going
to be. The first time we hear Rick’s name mentioned in a conversation the
statement that is made is ‘I have never seen Rick dine with a costumer’. This
could either be suggestive of the fact Rick is way too busy to find time to sit
down and have dinner with people, or that Rick is not particularly a person’s
people and prefers to be by himself. This idea is reinforced by the fact that
when we first see Rick he is sitting at a table playing chess by himself. This again
stresses the fact that Rick is an individual and likes to be apart from others.
This also could be inferring that Rick is a game player in friendship and/or in
relationships. Another way in which Rick is characterised is through costume.
He is seen to be wearing a cream suit with a black bow tie. The fact that his
suit is cream and not white could be done as a way of telling us that he is not
completely pure and may possess some
flaws.
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