Casablanca (1942)

Rating: 9/10 (12 April 2011)

The lighting and photography in Casablanca (1942) was phenomenal.In the beginning when we are shown the streets of Casablanca, the shot contains so much activity and movement it appeals visually to the viewer almost immediately. The same can be said when we first are shown Rick's club, the amount of contrast and so many things moving at once (and bright) in one shot. There is a scene when the police chief is talking to Rick while Rick is out of the shot. Rick's shadow is seen clearly against the wall and it appears as if the chief is talking directly to Rick's shadow. A good visual effect. In the scene when Rick is drinking and sulking in the middle of the night, the lighting (or lack of) and shadows totally set the depressing mood for that scene. The protagonists are mostly seen wearing brighter/lighter colored clothing. I like that the social message of the film was one of anti-Nazisentiment, especially because at the time of the film's release the war had not been won yet. The dialog was witty and fast paced. Very good film.