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Casablanca

Casablanca- Cast

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First Response to Casablanca

Personal Rating- 9/10

Memorable Scene-

The scene where Isla is trying to convince Rick to give her the tickets for the plane. The reason why I found this important is because at the start she was begging for the tickets for her and her husband and then the scene ends with her kissing him.

Why?

I loved this scene because although she was with Victor Lazso she realises that Rick is the man that she’s meant to be with. You can see that they were meant for each other in the end but for the greater good of America, he let her go.

Key Characters

Humphry Bogart- Rick Blaine

Humphry bogart was famous before Casablanca. He was born on December 25, 1899 in New York City. His father, Humphrey Deforest Bogart, was a well-known surgeon and his mother, Maud Humphrey, was a reputable artist and illustrator. Having ample financial means, the Bogarts wanted only the best for young Humphrey.

Bogart is on contract to warner brothers but he mainly made gangster films & detective films but never was seen as a leading man. Until he was in Casablanca where he wads shown in a different light. “Maltese Falcon” Classic which Bogart was in. The producer really fought for Bogart to be in Casablanca as others didn’t see him in this part.

When your a contract actor you don’t really have a decision when it comes to picking which role you are in. The company pick your stock type for you. The house style in warner brothers are very gritty movies gangster like. Traits of character- cynical, tough.

He was a character/ actor who was tough without a gun. Bogart would only play bad guys and leading parts because of Warner Brothers. They wanted to develop his screen persona as they wanted to show a romantic side.

Ingrid Bergman- Isla Lund

Ingrid Bergman (born August 29, 1915, Stockholm, Sweden—died August 29, 1982, London, England) was a Swedish actress whose natural charm, freshness, intelligence, and vitality made her the image of sincerity and idealized womanhood.

Ingrid was exotic so that’s why she was chosen for this movie. Americans loved accents

Paul Henried

 Born January 10, 1908, Trieste, Austria-Hungary—died March 29, 1992, Santa Monica, California, U.S. was an Austrian-born actor whose elegant sophistication and middle-European accent made him ideal for romantic leading roles in such motion pictures as Casablanca (1942) and Now, Voyager (1942).he subsequently began a second career as a director, particularly for television. He died just days before Casablanca was rereleased in honour of its 50th anniversary.

Michael Certiz

Hungarian- makes 173 films for Warner Brothers- he has knowledge to know what its like to leave Europe-all the extras were refugees/emerges- lot of empathy for the extras- mercerise was the French song that they sang over the Nazi anthem- Dolly was used a lot in Casablanca- broke away for the Hollywood norms- was known with the camera movements.

Pearl Harbour-

the Japanese bomb in Hawaii, brings America into the war, unprovoked attack, they tried to keep America isolated, millions died, day later the play script was sent to many publishers.

Mise En Scene

Elements of Light and Shadow (even with props). The reason why Casablanca used the elements of light and shadow was because film noir was a famous thing back in those times. The meaning on film noir a style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace. The term was originally applied to American thriller or detective films made in the period 1944–54. Through a meticulous combination of lighting, framing, camera movement, and production design, “Casablanca” creates a richly textured world that is both suggestive and enduring. This section explores how these visual elements contribute to the film’s atmosphere, mood, and the overarching love story at its core.

Editing

Elongated close up. Editing in Casablanca improved the pace of the story being told. For example, the poker scene where rick gives money for a couple to get a visa. Those shots were taken as snippets. It was only short shots but the audience could go along with it because every characters face that was in the shot captured an emotion which made it much easier to follow.

Sound

As for the music, in the documentary someone said “take the music out, you couldn’t watch” which is true if you took out the music the only thing you would have to go off of is the acting (though the acting is amazing its not enough). The composition in Casablanca was beautifully executed by Max Steiner. For example, it was shown that dark and harsh music was used for the Nazis whenever they walked in somewhere.

Max Stiener

Aesthetics

Hero’s would wear light clothing. they would be well dressed which doesn’t make sense as they are refugees but the director didn’t want any wrinkles in their clothes.

Casablanca was a made up fantasy place. But also a continent in Morocco but they look nothing alike. Casablanca is this place with tall buildings but in the movie it was a romantic place where love was seen everywhere. ( even in the middle of the war.) It was made to look theatrical.

Producer- Oversee what goes on in the production

producer is Hall B. Wallace. he managed to negotiate a contract to get the last say in everything. So he put the team together, wrote the screenplay and made some changes. Like Isla was meant to be America but Wallace saw that if you make it some who has experience in the war that has had Lazso’s back always so he decided to make her of a different nationality (she’s Swedish) and this would also be a sympathetic point as she has experience. seen as propaganda. it talks about Americas involvement in ww2 should be like Ricks as he re-joined the fight.

34 different nationalities were in the movie Casablanca in a way the film its all these people come over from all around the world to support each other which happens in Casablanca as well.

Themes and Issues-

Isolationism- a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.

What was Americas view on World War II?

At the start of world war 2 Americans don’t want to get involved, they thought it was a phony war in Europe. Rick Blaine represents the United States, which initially insisted that it should be neutral in World War II. However, when the United States was bombed at Pearl Harbour, it had no choice but to get involved. He is tough and cynical, yet altruistic. At first Rick maintains an isolationist and neutral stance “I stick my neck out for nobody” then shifts to self-sacrificing and willingness to join the war effort with allied forces. “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”. An example of this is when they help that couple get a visa in his poker game and when he helps Laszo and Isla flee by killing the most powerful Nazi in the movie.

Representation

Every time it goes dark and Rick and Ingrid was in the scene is showed intimacy. Rick Blaine represents the United States, which initially insisted that it should be neutral in World War II. However, when the United States was bombed at Pearl Harbour, it had no choice but to get involved.

Political and Social Context

At the time the movie had come out they American’s rushed into America to start their attack so people began to think that they wouldn’t have a country after said attack.

Uncategorised

Film Noir

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Definition-

a style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace. The term was originally applied (by a group of French critics) to American thriller or detective films made in the period 1944–54. It uses shadows to show the contract of good and bad.

Film noir-

Neo Noir-

Hollywood

The Birth Of Hollywood

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1.Why did film makers and producers move to Hollywood?

The mountains and low land prices made Hollywood a good place to establish film studios.

2.Name some of the big stars, directors and pictures from the Silent Era of Hollywood? (at least TWO of each)

Big Stars-

Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford.

Directors-

D. W. Griffith and Charlie Chaplin.

Pictures-

The Kid and The Gold Rush (Both by Chaplin)

3.In what ways were the early Hollywood studio system like a factory or production line or even the Premier League (football)?

The reason for this was because if they do something wrong or the directors (of both football and actors) don’t like the actors or footballers they can be kicked out and they’re reputation would be ruined.

4.When and what was the first “talking picture”?

The first “talking picture” was The Jazz Singer, which premiered on October 6th, 1927.

5.Why did the end of the silent era cause problems for some performers working in the film industry?

The film movements of Classical Hollywood as well as French Impressionism, German Expressionism, and Soviet Montage began in this period. Silent filmmakers pioneered the art form to the extent that virtually every style and genre of film-making of the 20th and 21st centuries has its artistic roots in the silent era. The silent film actors also had a problem with the sound barrier and the dangerous stunts.

6.What was happening in America(and around the world) at this time?

The film movements of Classical Hollywood as well as French Impressionism, German Expressionism, and Soviet Montage began in this period. The Great Depression was an economic fall in America where many would lose money and their livelihood and the Wall Street Crash was a major stock market crash in the United States which began in late October 1929 with a sharp decline in prices on the New York Stock Exchange.

Classical Hollywood Style

What is meant by the invisible style of story telling?

The invisible style is when there is a smooth transition from scene to scene that the audience doesn’t see it. It is illusionistic as they don’t want the audience to know that it was taken in a backlot they want to think like with Casablanca they want to think it was film in Morocco

What is continuity?

Continuity is the notion that a sequence of shots all need to feel as unified and fluid as if they were a single shot. If a director chooses to cut from one shot to another, audiences should feel like nothing has changed in terms of time and space.

The Hays Code

The MPPDA had set up its rules of “Don’ts” and “Be Careful’s” in 1927, a set of guidelines that, among other things, said movies could not include “Pointed profanity,” “Miscegenation” (that’s relations between races), “Ridicule of the clergy,” and “Wilful offense to any nation, race or creed.”

Exam

Exam Feedback

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PICK OUT WORDS OR PHRASES YOU THINK IMPRESSIVE

Diegetic, reframing, cathartic effect and connote.

DEFINE ‘DIEGETIC’

Existing or occurring within the world of a narrative rather than as something external to that world.

DEFINE ‘CATHARTIC EFFECT’

Involving the release of strong emotions through a particular activity or experience.

DEFINE ‘REFRAMING‘

A change in camera angle without a cut and can include changing the focus of the scene.

DEFINE ‘CONNOTE’ FINE ALTERNATIVE WORDS.

Imply or suggest

•Throughout Joker, cinematography is used effectively to create a sense of chaos within the film’s diegetic world. This is particularly evident in the scene towards the end of the film where Arthur is shown in a  low- angle, close-up looking out of the police car window and reacting with glee at the riots taking place around him. Here, the camera is used to position  the spectator as not only connecting with Arthur, but now looking up to him. This suggests to the spectator that the tables have turned and Arthur, who was earlier depicted as pathetic and sad, is now depicted as powerful and heroic. This “reframing” of  the central character” has a potentially cathartic effect on the spectator who has, up until this point, been encouraged to sympathise with Arthur’s point of view as a victim of circumstance. The deliberate and stylised use of this slow-motion reaction shot, enables the spectator to get a sense of poetic justice being served: Arthur is now on his way to prison.

point ,evidence, explain, link

This is England

First Response- This is England

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Rating Scale – 8

I really enjoyed this movie as you had to really listen to what was being said and what was happening. I enjoyed seeing all the camera work and dialogue even though there wasn’t much cinematography, it was a great movie. This is England is an extremely grotty and wretched movie. this is a lot of violence and blood and as I’ve said before I don’t condone any of those as it is disgusting but other than that I was entertained by this movie.

My most memorable moment was when Shaun threw the England flag into the sea. I believe that this was a detrimental scene that finished off the movie. After all that happened, all of the events that lead up to Milky’s almost death after he was beaten up by Combo. You could see that anger on Shaun’s face as he walked down. It was a moment of realisation.

Representation, Uncategorised

Trainspotting Representation

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Young People-

They feel alienated from traditional paths like stable jobs, marriage, or consumerism, instead embracing a chaotic and self-destructive lifestyle as a form of resistance. Their drug use and disregard for authority reflect a broader rebellion against societal expectations and norms. Many of the young characters prioritise pleasure and instant gratification, which is often pursued through heroin, alcohol, and casual sex. he male characters frequently conform to toxic ideas of masculinity, such as suppressing emotions and engaging in risky behaviors.

Working Class-

The working class in Trainspotting is depicted as trapped in a cycle of poverty, addiction, and disillusionment, with little hope for change. While the film critiques their self-destructive behaviors, it also portrays them with empathy, highlighting the systemic failures and societal neglect that contribute to their struggles. This nuanced representation offers a commentary on the economic and social realities of the time, making the film both a character-driven story and a broader critique of class inequality.

Addicts-

Addicts in Trainspotting are depicted as deeply flawed yet human individuals, caught in a web of personal choices and systemic failings. The film presents addiction as a devastating and multifaceted issue, blending moments of dark humor, tragedy, and raw honesty to challenge stereotypes and provoke empathy.

Scottish People-

Scottish people in Trainspotting are depicted with honesty and complexity, balancing critiques of societal issues with an acknowledgment of cultural resilience and humor. The film offers a raw, unvarnished portrayal of life in Scotland, highlighting both the struggles and the spirit of its people.

Older people-

Older people in Trainspotting are depicted as symbols of traditional values, societal stagnation, and generational disconnect. While some are shown as caring and concerned, they are often powerless to address the systemic issues faced by the younger generation. Their portrayal underscores the broader societal critique at the heart of the film, examining how intergenerational dynamics contribute to the struggles of addiction, poverty, and hopelessness.

Men-

Men in Trainspotting are depicted as deeply flawed yet human, caught in a cycle of rebellion, addiction, and disillusionment. The film critiques toxic masculinity and societal expectations while exploring themes of vulnerability, friendship, and the struggle for identity. This nuanced portrayal highlights the complexities of masculinity and its role in shaping the characters’ lives.

Women-

Women in Trainspotting are largely represented as secondary characters who serve to reflect and influence the male protagonists. While some, like Diane, show agency and assertiveness, the film primarily explores the struggles and experiences of its male characters. The female characters often embody themes of vulnerability, objectification, and exploitation, with their roles largely shaped by the male narrative. This portrayal is a reflection of the film’s critique of societal norms, including gender dynamics, but it also highlights the limited space for women within the world of Trainspotting.

Representation

Representation

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all aspects of film form including narrative contribute to the representations of cultures and societies (gender, ethnicity and age) including the ideological nature of those representations.

Performance– What carries representation

face ,age, gestures and body language

Stereotype-Definition

How I would define stereotype is a particular person of thing is seen as an image in someone’s head of how they are meant to act. for example when people say girls aren’t as strong as boys are as you cannot judge how strong a person is whether they are a girl or a boy.

Countertype– Definition

A representation that actively seeks to subvert and challenge negative stereotypes usually of a person, group or place. For example a black president instead of a white president.

Sarah Conner representation examples-

waitress-

when she was a server she was very unfocused and ditsy , this was shown when she was late to work. you can tell that she didn’t enjoy working there and she wasn’t going to peruse the job for much longer.

soldier-

when she was a soldier she was very fit and ripped and they showed this so that it would take away her femininity. she was handling a gum and she knew how to do so so you can see that she had transformed into this badass.

Trainspotting Representation-

1.WHO IS DOING THE REPRESENTATION? (DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT) Danny Boyle (director)

2.WHO IS BEING REPRESENTED ? Spud, Renton, Sick boy, Francis and Tommy. who were tragically addicted and affected by drug use.

3.WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE OMITTED FROM THE REPRESENTATIONS? They are more likely middle class but some would say lower class.

4.WHAT MESSAGES ABOUT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS ARE BEING CONVEYED? Tells the audience how lower class communities are affected by drug abuse and crime.

5.WHICH CHARACTERS OR SOCIAL GROUPS HAVE POWER WITHIN THE REPRESENTATIONS? I believe that the girls have more power as they don’t do drugs really. Also in the first scene in mother superiors house you can tell that the boys are obsessed with the lady or at least sick boy is.

6.DO THE CHARACTERS ADHERE TO OR CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES? Glasgow is seen as a ‘rougher’ city and the movie shows depth of the people and the city.

7.ARE THE CHARACTERS TYPICAL OF FILMS IN THAT GENRE? No, as all the characters are different and distinctive for the black-comedy genre.

8.WHAT DO REPRESENTATIONS TELL AUDIENCES ABOUT SOCIETY AT THE TIME THE FILM WAS MADE AND/OR SET? The depictions in Trainspotting communicate to global audiences that Edinburgh in the late ’90s wasn’t always cheerful and welcoming. Instead, it exposes the city’s grittier realities, illustrating how drug abuse often goes unnoticed and highlighting the devastating impact of heroin addiction on both the individuals involved and those around them.

9.HOW ARE ELEMENTS OF FILM FORM (MISE EN SCENE/PERFORMANCE/SOUND/EDITING/CINEMATOGRAPHY) BEING USED TO CONTRUCT THE REPRESENTATIONS? A strong example of Mise En Scène in this film occurs when Renton plunges into a filthy toilet, searching for his drugs. This scene takes on a surreal quality, shifting from the grimy reality of the toilet to a boundless, crystal-clear blue water, likely symbolising the euphoria heroin induces. This helps convey the portrayal of desperate young addicts in Edinburgh. In the same scene, the music changes as Renton dives, shifting from a fanfare to a calm ambiance, aligning with the contrast between harsh reality and the bliss of euphoria.

Uncategorised

Trainspotting First Response

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8/10

I thought that the film Trainspotting was about people who have to live everyday life with an addiction. The film follows the life Mark Renton, when he sees not only himself also his friends be wrapped around the idea of drugs and thinking that the only way to be happy was by consuming them. The film is seen as black comedy which is the contrast of humour and tragic scenes.

The scene that stuck with me most was most likely the bar brawl. This was when a man bumped into Franco and spilt his drink and with Franco being a light fuse he blew and beat some guys up. You see Sick boy and Spud going to defend him but Renton just sits there trying not to get involved. That was so important to the movie as you can see Renton doesn’t want to be part of this type of life ever again.

Sound

Sound

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Activity 1- 

Sound editors are responsible for the finished sound in movies and television shows unlike the sound mixer who is the leader of the production sound crew, responsible for recording high-quality audio on set and location for film and television productions. 

Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in Joker: 

Diegetic sounds: 

The scene in the joker where he and Murray were in a different together room, and they could hear an applause from the audience. 

Non-diegetic sounds- 

The famous scene in the joker where he is dancing down the stairs is non diegetic as you couldn’t see speakers, so it was probably in his head.  

Sound Effects-

Sound effects are artificially created or enhanced sounds that are used in artistic works to emphasize or express an action, mood, or feeling. Sound effects were initially used in radio dramas, but can be observed more often today om podcasts, theatre, films and television shows.

Foley artist

a Foley artist is when people recreate the sounds that were missed when filmed. they use props and try make it as believable as possible.

Leitmotif

a short word or phrase that is associated with a particular. Normally its a song that’s associated. ‘leitmotifs are guides to emotion.’- Richard Wagner. A film that uses leitmotifs is Up by Disney, the well known song is changed into different songs with slower or faster melodies or even played with different instruments eg the piano.

L-Cut and J-Cut

A sound bridge is a type of sound editing that occurs when sound carries over a visual transition in a film.

A J-Cut is when the sound is in the scene before as if a voiceover then in the next scene you see the sound being made.

A L-Cut is when the sound is being made in the first scene and the sound carries onto the next scene with seeing the sound being made.

Voice over/Narration-

often informs the audience with all the information they need about a certain character or event, this can sometimes be presented as ‘unreliable narration’ meaning the viewer does not get all the information straight away.

Musical score-

pieces of music specifically made for a film/specific scene.

Underscore-

music playing ‘under’ the dialogue between characters, usually quite quiet.

Synchronous sound-

is sound that is matched with the action and movements being viewed.

‘Needle Drop’-

a version of recording that has been transferred from a vinyl record to digital audio or other formats.

Asynchronous sound-

used when the director wants to create tension as the viewer can hear a sound but cannot see its source. Sometimes the audience cant hear the sound that the character inside the film can hear.

Sound Perspective-

Refers to the apparent distance of a sound source, evidenced by its volume, timbre, and pitch.

For example Spielberg uses only camera work and sound perspective when the man is about to be killed to show the ambience of the scene. The sound in the distance was the mans footsteps and the dominant sound was the found ringing.

Favourite Film Soundtrack-

my favourite film soundtrack was rocky as it had the iconic theme song which everyone will always associate with rocky. the composers were Bill Conti and Carol Connors. The original song was only 90 seconds long as it was created fir the montage.