Casablanca
...during the early period of the Second World War has a tragic ending in which the two lovers separate and follow different paths despite their love. However, this is not merely a film about two people who were once in love and then were lost to each other. It is also not a tragic tale but quite the opposite. The director, Michael Curtiz, using various film techniques and supporting story lines weaves a tale more about redemption than the simple love story that Casablanca is usually packaged as.
The film opens with an establishing shot that sets the action in Casablanca during the war. The city itself is a disembarkation point for those trying to reach the safety of America. The threat of the approaching German armies has brought many people to the city where the film tells us that they must "wait, wait, wait." This line creates a sense of desperation that is felt within the city and the ensuing shots of the patrons of Rick's café confirm this. As the camera pans from table to table, we see people half covered in shadows trying to bargain with whatever they can in order to secure a seat on the plane to Lisbon. This low key lighting is dominant in most of the movie. The city is unpredictable and dangerous, where no one knows when they can escape or at what cost. The shadow of Germany is hanging over all of these people who have come to Casablanca to escape.
Alongside this desperation are all those characters willing to profit from it. We catch glimpses of all types taking advantage of others whether it is a simple pickpocket in the street or a man using the situation to buy diamonds from a woman for far under their real value. The Vichy Police Prefect himself uses his position for profit admitting quite frequently throughout the film that he will side with whoever has the power. Captain Renault uses his power to secure money and women...
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