Q. Explain how mise-en-scene is used as a story telling device in Casablanca

Location

The romantic drama, Casablanca was set in Morocco, however the filming location was entirely filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California with the exception of the beginning of the film in which they use the old Metropolitan Airport at Van Nuys near Burbank. At the time, filming in a studio was more affordable and practical to shoot in, though it still tells the story and was a very realistic set back in that time in Hollywood.

Sets (Interiors)

The set was in Warner Bros. Studios in California as stated with the main features being ‘Rick’s Café Américain’, this set reinforces Rick’s mysterious persona as it’s a very glamorous interior, like Rick himself. It links to each characters sophisticated lifestyle and the need for the nightclub to be closed because of the popularity which is shown in the scenes featuring Rick’s café Americain.

Costumes

In Casablanca, the costumes suit each character and their role and job in the film. Rick wears mysterious trench coats, implying he himself is mysterious with a touch of sophistication (such like his place of work). The police and guards wear their suits and it makes the film more realistic and professional in a way. Ingrid’s character, Ilsa, wears typical classy clothes which shows her elegance and high-status.

Props

The props used in Casablanca consists of typical alcohol and usual things that go in classic nightclub and gambling dens. It brings the story to life. Again in Rick’s cafe, there are many performers such as (shown in the image) the guitar and piano performers added to give a sense of suaveness and refinement to the nightclub. Another prop used is the gun that Rick ends up using to shoot Strasser in order for Ilsa and Laszlo to escape, this creates an authentic appearance for the characters and the film itself.