lighting (casablanca) Flashcards
why is the importance of lighting and shadows amplified in the case of casablanca
•due to the nature of colorless works
•we don’t have the luxury and sensation of numerous distinct colours, an alternative is required on the part of the film makers, which is where lighting comes into play
in the scene where Ilsa meets Rick at his cafe after closing hours, what’s lighting used for
•to focus on the complex nature of their relationship
how is her innocence and confusing regarding her feelings for Rick expressed
•via various lighting techniques
•the low key lighting that is prevalent throughout the film gives an undefined edge to her confusion and accentuated the awkwardness of their situation
how is ilsas entrance set up
•with the door in the background
•as she enters, she’s bathed in light and completely clothed in white
•this is a visual metaphor for purity and innocence
when ilsa walks into the room, what does the light do
•light follows her
•she confronts rick and now the lighting depicts the contrast of their emotions
•Ilsa is shot in the light while Rick is shrouded in a darkness of suspicion and anger
as were allowed to explore Rick and Ilsas feelings, what starts to dissipate
•the contrast of light stars to dissipate, and the line that divides them fades
when Rick begins to accuse her, what happens
•the key light id shifted to cast a shadow on Ilsas face, causing the audience to doubt her and puts us in ricks shoes
when is the doubt abruptly halted
•when she begins to cry, and a single tear rolls down her cheek
•the use of catch lighting accentuâtes the tear which represents her broken heart and innocence and directs the guilt back to rick
•the scene ends with rick, his head down, filled with self pity in a darkened room
what does this scene convey
•the unspoken emotions of the characters, and also forces the audience to feel certain emotions
•the lighting creates emotions of grief, shock, and awkwardness, and also allows the audience to feel the tensions of the two unresolved lovers and the unspoken connection between them
