Classical Hollywood Flashcards
What were the actors like?
Well known and normally contracted to the studio.eg
Humphrey Bogart- normally plays in gangster films and Casablanca was his first romantic role
What were studios like?
Studio system,
Owned its own cinemas and could control the film from the first idea to its release
Had restrictive creative freedom “had a recipe that worked” for the plot
Big budget
Studio sets
What were some of the restrictions for making a film?
Hays code
No imagery of sex
Cant flush toilets
What were some expectations for women in the screen?
Glamorous- soft high key lighting
Blonde (especially for Hitchcock)
What was happening at that time?
WWII
Casablanca was a Propaganda film for America (America just joined)
Rick?
Framed as dominant, in low angle with white tuxedo signifying status
Socio-political represention
- Release coincided with allied invasion of North Africa and the capture of Casablanca
- Pro American ideology
- Set in Casablanca, Morocco in early days of WWII
Is Rick shown as a hero?
Rick is shown as a reluctant hero
Gender representation with Rick and Ilsa
-Rick is physically small, but a powerful and respected alpha male
-Ilsa is stereotypically beautiful- she is objectified by the gaze of the camera
“ she is the nexus of power in the film. It is only with respect to her that Rick shows any vulnerability and humanity. There is a strength in her not to be underestimated “
Gender representation of women
Ilsa, Yvonne and Annina Brandel are even lit differently
High key, no shadow, often soft romantic focus
Ilsa seems incapable of making her own decisions
“You’ll have to think for both of us”
Sam?
A pivotal secondary character and narrative catalyst- a conduit for their love
Laszlo?
Strong, upright, morally correct and loyal- in Rick, Ilsa sees another brand of masculinity
Curtiz as an auteur?
“The character of the rebel in spite of himself is essential to Curtiz”- Jean Loup Bourget
