Comparative basic visual analysis of

When the foursome step out of the car (between Stills A3 and A4) the arrangement of characters is such that Illsa

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The impression of intimacy is enhanced by the rapid cutting between close-ups of Rick and Illsa’s respective emotions and reactions as the dialogue progresses. It is therefore a central element of the storyline as the incentive and the root of complication in the plot. When the story line becomes more intimate, the audience assumes the role of voyeur and is allowed to witness the exchange between Rick and Illsa. There is sadness but this is offset by the love theme, which results in resolution. Kane’s demise despite his material wealth also hints at the shortfall of the ‘American Dream’- a culture driven by capitalist gain- money can buy neither happiness nor love.

The camera tracks, maintaining a high-angle traveling shot interspersed with a series of dissolves to create the impression of progressive motion through space over an irrational (shortened) period of time (Still B8-B13). This pertains to the idea that Illsa and Victor are meant to be together and will escape while Rick and Louis are the condemned who will ‘take the fall’ and remain in Casablanca. This is communicated in the closing sequence through a series of close-shots in low-key lighting (Still B1- B5) that allow the audience to be included in the spoken dialogue of the reporters, at eye-level (Still B1). The power of the press and its role in maintaining ideological power structures is also addressed, as Kane assumes control of a newspaper to expose the truth behind the actions of those in positions of wealth and power. The use of chiaroscuro in the shot where all four characters stand together shows the white of Victor’s clothing and hat while he stands tall in the light, against Rick who is in shadow wearing a black hat and hunched over with his head bowed. In Casablanca, however, the narrative is not as depressing. He is not like Victor, the archetypal hero, and it is perhaps for this reason that we find it easier to relate to Rick and his challenges than to the seemingly perfect notion of Victor.

The overall visual setup of the sequence has a mysterious and nostalgic air, shrouded in mist with low-key lighting and continuous use of close-up shots so that the audience is involved in the emotion and action of the unfolding events. Also in the shot we are able to see Victor and Illsa’s faces clearly lit whereas Rick and Louis are in shadow and their faces are turned away.

Common topics in this essay:
Citizen Kane, , Foster Kane, Rosebud B17, Kane Gradually, American Dream-, Illsa Victor, Rick Illsa, B1- B5, Casablanca Victor, citizen kane, closing sequence, low-key lighting, audience involved, rick louis, illsa victor, sequence citizen kane, information audience, newspaper expose, expose truth, close-up shots, newspaper expose truth, charles foster kane, closing sequence citizen,

Approximate Word count = 1882
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

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