Casablanca (1942) Part 3 - Analysis

Casablanca Scene Analysis 

End Scene:

• Pathetic fallacy of mist and fog - reflects the atmosphere of uncertainty and links to the previous double betrayal 
• Use of hats - to disguise face, use of  shadows in specific moments 
• mid-shots due to more characters and scenery
• set in an airport 
• mis-en-scene: car, (palm?) tree, small hut with phone attached 
• close up of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman to create a close proximity and tension
• FAMOUS ZOOM IN OF THEM - difficult for the time period 
• over the shoulder close ups with a filter over Ingrid Bergman 
• more focused on the dialogue than action, therefore use of close ups 
• only light sources come from inside the hut and the small dots for the airport - over hung lamp 
• simple, invisible editing 
• In the hut (open walled one): desk, papers, posters on wall in another language
• Vichy water - a Nazi drink, Renault pours it as if considering then throws it in the bin (close up shot of that highlights the importance - a symbol, propaganda on the 40s) and kicks it out of shot 
• shot of their backs and the plane flying off into the mist
• Shows until the plane completely disappears 
• Blocking of Renault behind Rick -  shows the importance
• Walking into the fog at the end with a wide shot 

After planning a betrayal with Renault to capture Laszlo, the final scene takes place in the set of an airport. This consists of a (palm) tree, which fits in the Moroccan theme, the car which Ilsa and Laszlo arrive and a hanger which includes a desk, telephone and military posters. This hanger is of great importance in the final moments of the scene when Strasser uses the phone to tell HQ of Laszlo, resulting in is his death. It also acts as a contrast in scenes which cut from Rick and Ilsa's intimate personal scenes to Renault who is minding his own business, writing the Visas. To add onto the set of the airport, mist is a key factor which creates an atmosphere, a foreshadow to the uncertainty of the future and the war. It also makes it visibly hard to see in the distance which causes the audience to focus on what's closer to the camera.

In this case, the focus is on Ilsa and Rick who are coming to terms with their departure from each other. To emphasis this, the use of close up  and over-the-shoulder shots are very important. They allow the audience to understand the characters inner emotions without verbal communication, and also reflect the tension and close proximity between them. The shots cut between the two characters, using invisible editing, with a common filter for 1940s used on Ingrid Bergman which gives a glowy, ethereal feel and creates a tragic beauty to the scene. There is also a particular moment which involves a zoom in shot of them, making it reflect how they may feel that they're the only two people in the world, and was very difficult to do during the 1940s. In the background of their close ups with their monologues stating their intentions and their confessions, their theme of 'As Time Goes By' plays non-diegetically which highlights their relationship and the passion they feel for each other, and by having it orchestrated adds a emotional, classic value which fits in with the time period.

Not only does the mist add to the atmosphere, but also the use of lighting. Since the scene is set during the evening/night, light is very little. The only major source of light is from an over-hanging lamp in the hanger and since Rick and Ilsa are a distance from it creates a faint light for them, whereas Renault and Strasser stand directly in the light source. There is also a use of small lights in the distance of the mist which is a common factor of airports. Perhaps this could be considered as a small source of hope in the uncertainty of war, especially since the plane flies in the direction of them. 

Another betrayal takes place when Renault tells his men to 'round up the usually suspects' after Rick has shot Strasser. This quote shocks the audience and, even though he's dodgy, makes them side with Renault for him siding with 'the good'. He is shown to pour 'Vichy water', a specific Nazi drink which he then slams into the bin and kicks it out of shot. By doing this, it helps the audience form a patriarchal revolt against the Nazis, since Casablanca is the propaganda film, shot and released during World War Two. The scene ends with Renault and Rick walking into the mist, their futures as well are unsure, and Renault states; 'this could be the start of a beautiful friendship'. Since the characters could be considered as a personification of their represented countries, France and America, it could show the ideology of unity against the common foe.

Rick being depressed in the dark scene: 

With the return of Ilsa on his mind, the scene fades to Rick alone in the darkness of his cafe. This is a vast contrast to the usual lively atmosphere where people drink, gamble and happier songs are played by Sam on the piano. Whereas the rooms are usually lit by the over-hung chandeliers, the set is now in complete darkness, save for the return of the spotlight which shines through the window that's right behind Rick. This spotlight allows a sweep of light over the whole of the cafe rather than just focusing on Rick, also highlighting Sam when he enters a plays the piano. The lack of light reflects Rick's mood and his state of mind, the trauma of seeing Ilsa again has caused him to go into isolation. Perhaps this a moment, the audience can relate to when being emotional, the fact that he also has alcohol even more so. 

This is a scene where we're able to decipher the loyalty of Sam to Rick and understand their friendship more, especially when Sam says that he won't leave Rick on his own. Sam's determination to cheer Rick up is shown especially when he plays the piano for Rick. 

The use of close ups are important to this scene, mainly focusing on Rick to convey his inner struggle, however wide shots are also used to show his lonely state. This scene acts as an introduction to the bigger scene which it slowly fades to, where a flashback of why he's upset is shown. It enables the audience to become more sympathetic when they have a reason as to why he's sitting alone in the darkened cafe drinking alcohol in the middle of the night.