pride and prejudice

One of the most beloved films of all times and still a well-known classic, Casablanca can be analyzed from a wide array of perspectives such as mise-en-scene, mise-en-shot or montage and editing. What makes Casablanca a remarkable classic is the set design, lighting and character movement that the director preferred to choose to reflect the mood to the movie screen. With these three elements, one can find the movie distant and indifferent or natural and practical where by using these elements effectively Michael Curtiz succeeded in making a movie, which was worshiped by a large group of people. In the scene where the spectator meets Rick for the first time, the importance of the set design, the lighting and the character movement can be immensely sensed.

A waiter brings a check to the table and it is signed with a dark black pen, writing Rick. They are in a place full of people, the voices of people are heard from the back. There is an empty glass, a full ashtray and a chessboard on the table were Rick is sitting alone, playing

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The shadows behind Rick display the uncertainty of his life and presence of question marks and secrets where the brightness of Ugarte demonstrates the shallowness of his life, which clearly points out the vast distinction between these two individuals. Rick presents a very masculine and tough image as he decides who could get in to that café by nodding his head to the fat guy standing at the door. On the contrary, from Ugarte’s body language and facial impressions, it is very obvious that he has no self-esteem and confidence in himself.

Although these examples seem as small details, they are the ones what make Casablanca a special and unique one. Ugarte is always smiling, trying to look empathic to others where we almost never see Rick smiling who manages to stay calm and cool in every situation. After not letting someone in, he walks back to his table and Ugarte starts talking with him. It is possible to increase the number of examples about the use of the set design, lighting and character movement where each and every one of them are essential in their own ways. After seeing these examples, one appreciates Michael Curtiz more and understands better why he was called so successful and why so many people loved Casablanca. While Rick is looking down at Ugarte, Ugarte is still nervous and uneasy. Ugarte looks like a very unconfident person, who can not be sure about how to act in front of Rick where Ugarte tries his best to sit at Rick’s table. As Ugarte asks Rick if he could keep his letter of transit because Rick is the only person he could trust among all his friends, Rick is holding a piece from his chess set which symbolizes him thinking two or more steps ahead before taking that one step. From the very first image, it is clear that Rick is the superior one, it is obvious from the way they talk and look at each other, and also from the difference of their heights. All through the scene, no matter whom he talks with, Rick is always confidante of himself, always arrogant and superior.

Approximate Word count = 699
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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