Beatty was originally on board as a producer for the film
Faye Dunaway (Bonnie Parker)
Michal J Pollard (C.W Moss)
Gene Hackman (Buck Barrow)
Estelle Parsons (Blanche Barrow)
Denver Pyle (Frank Hamer)
Dub Taylor (Ivan Moss)
Gene Wilder (Eugine Grizzard)
Wilder played a minor role in Bonnie and Clyde as his debut role before earning lobal recognition for his role as ‘Willy Wonka’ in Charlie and the chocolate factory (1971)
Star Vehicle
Star vehicle: a film that utilises an actor’s fame to promote the film, a film specifically made with an actor’s skill set in mind to show off their known skills and versatility.
Casablanca is a star vehicle for Humphry Boggart, he had previously not played the leading man and was often playing in gangster films. Casablanca highlighted his versatility and proved he had the skills to be a leading man. Casablanca was also Ingrid Bergman’s breakout film as she was previously quite unknown, it can be said it was also a star vehicle for her to breakthrough into the industry
Bonnie and Clyde was a star vehicle for Warren Beatty, he was the producer of the film while starring in it, he was responsible for hiring the director (Arthur Penn). He also had bought the script. Faye Dunnaway’s breakout role was as Bonnie as like Bergman she was also much more unknown than their male co-stars.
Mise en Scene in Bonnie and Clyde
Locations: Bonnie and Clyde was filmed on location and not on a warner brothers backlot. The film was shot in Texas to add historical accuracy as the real Bonnie and Clyde were from Texas in addition to lower funds. The location filming adds more realism as they are not constructed, idealised setting. During the 1940s, America was living though the great depression. Bonnie and Clyde gives an accurate depiction of what peoples lives were like and had become after the wall street crash. The cars used in the film had also been loaned.
Costumes often showed 1940s fashion, specifically the gangster outfits. Bonnies look was quite 60s and became a fashion icon for women when the film came out, as many lost weight and cut their hair into bobs.
Editing: Bonnie and Clyde begins with a sequence of shots starting with an extreme close up of Bonnie’s lips, which is unlike classical Hollywood as there is also no establishing shot. The opening shot connotes to her knowingness of her attractiveness and her care into her looks. The camera then pans out into a close up of her face in the mirror. Close ups and mid shots are then used to follow her walking around the room, these shots are used to show her nudity without directly showing it. We then see her hitting the bedstead to mimic how she feels trapped in her current life as the bars on the bedstead reflects being behind bars in a jail. The only long shot in this sequence is when Bonnie is at the window, watching Clyde and speaking too him, which uses shot reverse shot ( a bit more conventional from Classical Hollywood) This opening sequence allows the audience to see the two main characters in depth, and breaks all the conventions of editing in the Classical Hollywood style. Editing in Bonnie and Clyde cam be very unconventional and inspired by the French new wave, however there are times the editing is very conventional and in the classical Hollywood style as it helps to portray the story. It breaks some of the conventions but doesn’t depart altogether from this style.
Sound: Music plays over credits and car chases (e.g 54-58 min) The music evokes the period of the Great Depression and highlights the setting of deep south America. The music is bluegrass style of music played with a banjo. It has roots in Mississippi, with afro American influence. The music is upbeat and light in tone with no vocals. The music is used to change the mood of the scene as we have the upbeat bluegrass music over the char chase and the original shot of the ice cream parlour, but when we see the ranger who is hunting down Bonnie and Clyde the music suddenly stops creating instant tension and apprehensive as the audience can predict how the film may end
Sound Bridge (J-cut) Music that covers a scene change
Dede Allen (editor) was one of the first people to use a sound bridge, she was an innovator.
Foley sound diegetic sound, sound effects. When Clyde is teaching Bonnie how to shoot there are sound effects from the gun (14min). The extreme loudness changes the mood. As the violence increases, the soundtrack increases in volume. Shootouts are very loud and violent and the loudness of the Foley sound is deliberately heightened.
I enjoyed the film but I think the ending was unnecessarily graphic as we watch Bonnie and Clyde get aggressively shot without dying instantly as we see Clyde roll over in agony and Bonnie’s body fall out the car. However apart from this I enjoyed the film as it caused continuous apprehension to if they would survive another close encounter.
Stand out scene: I selected this scene where Bonnie attempts to leave Clyde and the other criminals but he chases her and they reunite in a field. This scene stands out to me as, for me it is the most prominent display of emotion from Clyde towards Bonnie as he is put in a position where he could have to continue alone and how he’d struggle. I also like the angle of this shot as due to the low angle tilting upwards we perceive Clyde in a more vulnerable position highlighting his care for Bonnie
What is meant by the cinematic term French New Wave?
A film movement that began in 1958 and lasted into the late 1960s, known for its change in conventional filmmaking techniques. Many of the directors involved in this movement began as film critics for Cahiers Du Cinema, a French magazine that promoted new ideas through experimentation and innovation. It was a rejection of mainstream cinema and old Hollywood, a youthful movement driven by young people who were passionate about film overall. Preference for directors to be the artistic driving force and be credited rather then the studio and stars.
What specific stylistic and structural elements are present in French New Wave films?
French New Wave films often utilized natural light, used actors with less experience, improvisation, voice overs (non-diegetic) and real locations. This was a result of the low-budget nature of the films in addition to creating a strong feel of realism. For technique, handheld cameras contributed to the distinctive, more naturalistic style of these films as well as giving a doctumentryesque aesthetic. Jump cuts, often used by Jean-Luc Godard, became a distinct reflection of the movement, leading other filmmakers to challenge conventional filmmaking methods, and breaking through into mainstream cinema while working with low budgets and being restrained by the limited amount of money available to them. Democratisation style of cinema, allowing anyone to be a film-maker and create films.
Which directors and films from the French New Wave influenced Arthur Penn as he was making Bonnie and Clyde?
Directors François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard had a large impact on Arthur Penn throughout the making of Bonnie and Clyde. Originally, writers Robert Benton and David Newman initially approached them to direct the film, however they declined. Two of Truffaut’s films, Shoot the Pianist (1960) and Jules et Jim (1962), were particularly influential on Penn throughout production. French New Wave films were known for breaking traditional cinematic rules, Bonnie and Clyde echoed this by portraying two lovers who committed crimes consisting of robbery, burglary, and murder, stepping away from the usual depiction and representation of law-abiding American citizens. The turbulent nature of their relationship also reflected the movement’s shift from conventional storytelling. Bonnie and Clyde was a character study, historically based but far from historically accurate. Music was prominent in the scenes of their escapes in the van, this music was fast-paced banjo music (bluegrass music). It brings a comedic element to these dramatic scenes.
Identify 3 scenes from Bonnie and Clyde where stylistic links are created with French new wave cinema, explaining why this was the case
Location filming is often used in Bonnie and Clyde, embracing the French new wave style of filmmaking as it relies less on studios to create film but rather real places to create the set of the film.
Natural lighting is common in Bonnie and Clyde, as the normal sunlight is most prominent, this gives the film a more naturalistic look. This links to the French new wave as the natural light enhances the classic low-budget nature of the French new wave.
Jump cuts were seen as a trademark of the French new wave era, they were well used in Bonnie and Clyde especially before their deaths at the end of the film. The camera jumps from close-up shots of Bonnie and then to Clyde of them looking at each other and then to the police ready to shoot them, as well as some scenery shots leading into their separate deaths. By using jump cuts, it creates a tense atmosphere and dramatize their deaths.
Boggart was already a star before his performance in Casablanca as he had frequent roles in gangster films, such as “Dead end” and “The petrified Forrest” before this he had been in Broadway shows. I think he was cast as he was already known to be a good actor.
Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund)
Bergman had previously acted in films in Sweden, she was known for her good looks, kindness and European accent. She became a star overnight after peforming in her first film in English, a remake of “Intermezzo” a film she had previously stared in Sweden. I believe she was cast due to her good looks and star-status.
Paul Henreid (Victor Laszlo)
Developed a passion for acting while still in school, and began acting in Vienna. He was in films and plays across London and Vienna such as “The madman of Europe”. He was a prominent anti-Nazi causing his assets to be seized. He left to USA with his wife and acted in a few plays before acting his most well known films, “Casablanca” and “Now Voyager”. I think he was casted as Lazlo because of his passion and political stance.
Claude Rains (Captain Renault)
Rains began acting on stage in London and due to his expressive face and clear voice he was cast in “The invisible man”. He played a number of both leading and supporting roles in many genres before being in “Casablanca”.
Conrad Veidt (Major Strasser)
He appeared in many British films such as “The thief of Bagdad” before immigrating to the United States where he was recognised for his talent and therefore casted in “Casablanca” which was the last film to be realised in his lifetime.
Sydney Greenstreet ( Signore Ferrari)
Greenstreet did not appear in films until the age of 61 after previously performing on stage. He began working for warner bros in 1941 in “The maltease falcon” which also featured Humphry Boggart who a year after would peform alongside again in “Casablanca”. He acted all through having diabetes and a kidney disease.
Peter Lorre (Ugarte)
Lorre eventually settles in Hollywood and was featured in many Warner Bros crime films, such as “Mad Love” and “The maltease falcon” He was very close friends with Boggart and they later acted together in “Casablanca”
S. Z. Sakall (Carl)
He began a career in films debuting in “Its a date” and “Ball of fire” leading him to be noticed by Warner Bros, where he turned down his role in “Casablanca” three weeks after filming had begun as he “hated it”. He eventually accepted the role.
Madeleine Lebeau (Yvonne)
Lebeau made her Hollywood debut a year before “Casablancas” realise, she was cast in “Hold back the dawn” where Warner Bros gave her a contract to feature in many films including “Casablanca”
Dooley Wilson (Sam)
His role in “Casablanca” was his most well-known peformance but he also previously was a musician touring London and Paris as he was the leader of a band.
Joy Page (Annia Brandel)
“Casablanca” was Page’s debut film, she originally thought the script was old-fashioned and cliché and she got the role on her own, with Warner Bros reluctant approval. Yet she did not land a contract and didn’t appear in another Warner Bros film.
John Qualen (Berger)
Qualen reached Broadway in 1929 before his film debut began as a screen adaptation to a play he had previously performed on stage. He became a star and appeared in over 100 films over his career including “Casablanca”
General notes:
The film was not expected to become so beloved and a “classic” it was by luck
Casablanca is a clear representation on “factory-like” filmmaking and is considered one of the best 1940s, WWII films.
The script was made up and written on a daily basis, the ending was not written until the last day of filming and the story was not well known.
Humphry Boggart (Rick) was unexperienced in this kind of role as he had only previously played in gangster films, and he was often in a bad mood on set due to the lack of preparation.
Curtiz was a Hungarian refugee, and the extras who played fellow refugees on set were real.
Mise en Scene in Casablanca
Locations: The location shots in Casablanca are incredible, as despite being shot in Hollywood, the Moroccan city of Casablanca is well portrayed and audiences are unable to tell that it wasn’t filmed there. For example, the main street is shown as a dessert due to the dry, hot climate adding to the story by reflecting the characters who stay in Casablancas feeling desperate.
Women in the film were dressed in clothing to allow them to be perceived as innocent such as dresses and skirts.
Extras of the film were all WW2 refugees
Lighting and shadows add emotional intensity and portray key themes in the film
Sets had high levels of verisimilitude, such as Ricks giving an accurate representation of and American nightclub at the time
Editing in Casablanca
The film is fast paced allowing it to feel shorter than it is
The editing style allows for small actions to be noticed such as the glances between Rick and the roulette man as he lets another man win, giving audiences a deeper insight to the personality traits of the characters
The tones are well blended through the editing to make the film have high continuity
Sound in Casablanca
Diagetic sound if very prominent in Casablanca through the high amount of dialogue and the music played at Rick’s, the music played by the character Sam creates an easy-going social atmosphere whereas a large amount of dialogue has very serious undertones.
Aesthetics in Casablanca
The film combines multiple aesthetics such as film noir and melodrama to make its unique aesthetic that creates a feeling of love and longing through the foggy runway and dim lighting effects created by both high and low key lighting. The aesthetics create an exotic environment.
Representation in Casablanca
Women:
In Casablanca, women were represented to rely and follow their husbands and are seen to be less important compared to them. The film is very male dominated as it was set during WW2 where men were widely seen as stronger and more powerful, the female characters are either made to be perceived as victims to the audience or as a form of trophy to the men. They are often seen in recreational roles and do not work.
Men:
Men are portrayed very stereotypically, as dominant and powerful, they are all seen in professional roles such as police officers, army members and business owners, contrasting to the women in the film who are rarely seen to be working.
Authority figures:
Many of the authority figures appear to be quite corrupt and self absorbed, they are represented as people who do things more for their own gain instead of trying to keep the civilians safe. This is seen when the officers shut down Ricks for “gambling” as it is not allowed yet they are ironically handed their winnings while clearing the nightclub. Their authority is consistently abused without the film, most often by Captain Renalt, who gets to drink for free after curfew, gambling and he uses his power to gain money or sex from vulnerable refugees.
People of colour:
The representation of people of colour is very limited in Casablanca as the only significant character is Sam, who plays the piano at Rick’s, and is a faithful friend to him. This could create the idea that POC are unable to make it to Casablanca or that they are unwelcome there, due to the racism at the time
Americans:
Rick is the most significant American character in the film as he owns “Rick’s Cafe Americain” reflecting his pride for his nationality. The character Rick represents Americans to be passionate, seen through his love affair with Ilsa, as well as being calm and laid-back.
Europeans:
Europeans are represented differently in Casablanca. For example, the Germans and the French are represented to have high authority and seen as powerful and should be feared. Whereas other European characters completely juxtapose this as they are shown as desperate refugees who show unwavering effort to avoid the war and find a safe place to stay.
Historical and Social context
Allies: UK, USA, USSR (Russia)
Axis: Japan, Germany, Italy
France, at the start of WW2 France was an allied power, yet in June 1940 the Germans invaded and succeeded leading France to surrender and become occupies. The Free French however wanted to continue fighting so they still fought for the allies. Vichy France is a territory (around half) it has its own government but is a puppet for the Germans.
Vichy France controls Casablanca, despite being in Morocco it is still controlled by Vichy France.
World War II begins on September 1st 1939. America didn’t join the War until December of 1941 after an unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbour by Japan.
Operation Torch was an allied invasion of the French North Africa that took place on November 8th 1942 it was a compromise that led to victory in North Africa and allowing American armed forces the opportunity to begin fighting against Nazi Germany and Italy.
Casablanca premiered internationally on November 26th 1942 in New York City. It goes on general release in January 1943.
“It captured the Zeitgeist” This means that it captured and defined the spirit/ mood of a particular period of history (in Casablanca’s case WWII) shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
Casablanca Conference was from January 14th to January 24th 1943 between British prime minister Winston Churchill and Americas president Franklin D Roosevelt. They wanted to discuss the Allied forces strategy for the next phase of WWII. This has serendipity as this was also when Casablanca was being shown in cinemas.
In the cinema, they had movie reels similar to the news now. Before the main picture you would see a short reel showing the worlds current affairs.
Why did filmmakers and producers move to Hollywood?
They moves to Hollywood due to the easy access to a variety of different terrain that can be films, it’s reliable sunny clear weather that can be used year round for shooting.
Name some of the big stars, directors and pictures from the silent era
Stars: Clara Bow (New York, USA), Mary Pickford (Toronto, Canada)
Directors: Charlie Chaplin(London, England), D.W Griffith (Kentucky, USA)
Pictures: The Gold Rush, The general
In what ways were the early Hollywood studio system like a factory, production line or the premier league?
Actos may be working for one company but if they are not performing their contract could be cut no matter their star status, actors had little control over their career as they could be loaned similarly to football players now.
When and what was the first “talking picture”
The jazz singer, it came out on October 6th 1927
Why did the end of the silent era cause problems for some performers working in the film industry?
Some voices may have been unsuitable and their acting abilities decreasing as they had been performing silently and do not have the talent when using their voice, as well as not understanding the technology of recording sound.
What was happening in America and the world during this time?
WW1 had just ended (in 1918) so many countries were recovering, The American economy crashed after the wall-street crash leading to the great depression in 1929.
The Hollywood studio system, the golden age of Hollywood
1930-1947
What were the big 5 studios and what were they known for?
MGM: Made high budget musicals, comedies and melodramas as well as book to screen adaptations, using big stars. For example, “the Wizard of Oz”
Warner Bros: Branded themselves as the “studio of the working class” and made low budget melodramas, movies set during the Great Depression and gangster movies such as The Public Enemy
Paramount: Known as the most European studio as many filmmakers came from Germany or the UK. They gave more freedom to filmmakers and made “The sign of the cross”
Fox: Had a director named John Ford who won back to back oscars for best director and film, for “How green is my valley” and “The grapes of wrath”
RKO: Created many musicals and films spanning many genres including comedy or action. RKO was also responsible for one of the most influential films of all time “Citizen Kane”
Censorship: HAYs Code
The HAYs code was implemented and written up in 1930, this was seen as a set of rules for what could and couldn’t be included in the films such as forbidding the use of racial slurs, profanity, obscenity and the showing of sexual assault. In addition, the code also limited the use of nudity, criminality and graphic violence. For example, a kiss on screen could not last longer than 7 metres of film, and one actor had to have a foot on the floor in order to prevent showings of a sexual nature.
Classical Hollywood style
What is meant by the invisible style of storytelling?
Refers to conceal artistic choices to give films a natural story to give audiences, this can be done through lighting and camera work to make films more immersive.
What does continuity mean?
When the sequence of shots are edited together to be fluid and unified most commonly, in chronological order.
The film was set during WW2 and portrayed the struggles of people on the hunt for a better and safer life, it was refreshing to see a wartime piece that wasn’t centred around the view of the Germans or British. The movie also had a strong element of romance which was executed very well.
Stand out scene:
The stand out scene for me is when Ilsa and Rick see each other again, it is a key moment in the film and highlights the feelings of love and longing returning between Rick and Ilsa, the audience can tell they know each other without them saying it.
Classic Noir is a style of filmmaking of crime/detective thriller films shot in black and white with a clear use of shadowing, these types of films often create a mood of menace, fatality and suspense backed with a powerful soundtrack. These films were most common between the 1940s to the 1950s.
The Maltese falcon (1941) John Huston
Neo Noirs is, like film noir a style of filmmaking but also included a wider variety of subgenres such as westerns, and science fiction elements to create tech-noirs. These were made after the 1970s. They adapt the visual style and themes of classic noirs but for a more contemporary audience.
Aesthetics are the overall appearance, style and perception of a film. For example, the makeup or costumes worn, set design and props.
Aesthetics term 1: realism
Verisimilitude- The appearance of being true, believable or real
In This is England (Meadows 2007) the set design and use of location shooting creates an accurate and detailed image of 1983 England.
Social Realism- the aim to draw attention and recreate, social/political issues and critique those to blame. For example, showing poor conditions in the working class and critiquing capitalist views.
Of mice and men (Sinise 1992) include many political elements and give viewers an insight of America during the great depression following the Wall street crash in addition to the prominent social issues such as racism and sexism.
Magic Realism- Presenting a realistic detailed view incorporating magic or fantasy elements, often blurring the line between speculation and reality.
The Harry Potter franchise perfectly encapsulates the essence of magic in the real world while questioning if its fantasy fiction and reality.
Hyperreality- The lines between fantasy and reality are blurred and fantasy is well blended to the reality so there is no obvious distinction between them.
In Barbie (Gerwig 2023) fiction is morphed into reality as Barbie leaves her fantasy land and brings it to the real world.
Aesthetics term 2: Visual style
Iconography- The use of reoccurring visual symbols/images that convey specific themes or ideas, add to the plot and add emotion.
Intertextual referencing- Occurs when a movie overlaps with another art piece, such as a book, another film or a piece of music.
Visual/sound motifs- A reoccurring sound or visual symbol in a film that highlights the films plot or message its trying to portray. These visual symbols could be reoccurring objects, colours or shapes.
Colour grading- When raw film is edited and manipulated to create consistent colour tones throughout, like a filter to create a distinct colour pallet.
In Fantastic Mr Fox there is a prominent use of browns and oranges to create a clear, specific colour pallet to reflect the film
Auteur trademarks- When the film is clearly directed by a specific person based on a distinctive sign telling their work apart from other peoples.
Wes Anderson is an auteur as his style is unique and his work can be told apart from other films. He uses a specific narrative and visual style to make his work distinguishable.
Aesthetics term 3: Tone
Pathos- Appealing to audiences emotion
Bathos- Refers to the rhetorical anti-climax, transition from one topic to a vastly different one.
Suspense- Creation of a feeling of anticipation from the audience, this can be heightened by a stressful violent or emotive scene. Gives an effect similar to a cliff-hanger.
Comedy- Humorous, designed to make audiences smile and laugh.
Dramatic irony- When the audience know information the characters don’t, creating humour or suspense.
Distancing effect- Achieved when the audience cannot have the illusion of being an unseen spectator.
“occurring within the context of the story and able to be heard by the characters.”
“encouraged to sympathise”
“diegetic world”
Stylised: giving a distinct style or appearance.
Diegetic: occurring within the context of the storyline and able to be heard by the characters.
Cathartic effect: Spectators emotional response to an event in the film, strong realised emotions.
Reframing: change in mindset, appearance, how they’re perceived. Can be positive or negative.
Connote: implying or suggesting, sometimes linking to another thing, drives from the word connotation.
Depicted: how a character is portrayed and seen by spectators.
Paragraphs are written in the PEEL structure (Point, evidence, explain, link back to question.) Paragraphs start by expressing the overall point and then providing evidence that the point is true, following this the evidence is then explained and given context to how it relates with the overall point. Finally, the paragraph ends by referring back to the original essay question and how everything written links to it.
Throughout the film, young people are portrayed as easy going without being too concerned about rules and the law. This is particularly shown when Woody’s gang invite Shaun to hang out with them, dress up and go to an abandoned place. They are represented as having their own belief system without just following what the older generations say, such as when Woody didn’t agree with Combo’s racist and nationalist beliefs so he left.
Older people:
Older people in the film are presented to have strong beliefs, many of them are nationalists and hold discriminatory views towards ethnic minorities in order to create what they believe to be a better England, seen in this scene where a speech is being given about trying to make England better, and what the audience (majority being white, poorly educated older men) can do to achieve this.
Class:
Many of the characters in the film are lower class, and poverty is prominent throughout the film. The characters are often wearing out-dated and ill fitting clothing. In this scene Lol followed by many other women are walking to work in a large factory, the setting is quite dingy and rundown highlighting the lack of money in the area, and it’s drawbacks are prominently shown in the different settings, and costumes.
English people:
The majority of characters in the film are English and it creates a large proportion of the plot, however their nationalities are represented very differently. For example Combo uses the meaning of being English to manipulate and convince others to join his discriminatory gang. Whereas characters like Woody and Lol are comfortable in their nationality and are less focused on it, which makes them appear more content compared to Combo. In this sceneCombo is giving Shaun an English flag to show their proudness of their ethnicity, however they’re proudness can be perceived as almost too much leading them to appear almost insecure about it.
Asian/Black people:
People of other ethnicities and minorities are commonly discriminated against in the film by Combo and his gang. There is a very small amount of non-english representation yet it its crucial to the plot. Such as this scene where foreign shopkeeper is being robbed, verbally abused and threatened by Combo and his gang. This representation highlights the social divisions in England at the time and again draws back on the political conflict in the film.
Men/Masculinity:
Masculinity is very important in the film as many of the male characters want to appear strong and have high masculinity, which could explain Combo’s violent outbursts. The role of a father is critical in the film as it explains Shauns behaviour without the film, after loosing his father in the war he spends the rest of the film trying to make his dad proud which eventually leads him to join Combo’s gang, as well as him becoming a father figure for Shaun after Woody.
Women:
There is little feminism in the film as the female character’s are only really shown in reference to their partner, and when they are on screen. In this scene Lol is walking away after Combo has confessed his love for her and she rejects him as she is with Woody. Shaun’s mother is presented as strong after being widowed and raising Shaun alone, but other than that the other female characters provide nothing else to the storyline aside from being a wife or girlfriend.
Place
The mise en scene is well used in the film to create a strong image of a run-down lower-class northern town in England. Montages of real clips of England are used that show drugs, abandoned places, fights, social housing and graffiti add a sense of desolation and a town that is far from its best. The setting explains why gangs form as there is little to do and highlights the boredom felt by many young people at the time.
