Representations In Casablanca Flashcards
(33 cards)
How were men expected to act in the 1940s?
As the provider, strong and resourceful.
What are the 40s thought of?
The golden age of patriarchy.
What dominant positions in society did men hold?
Important jobs, better educated, paid more and were seen as the head of the household.
Why did the coming of war strengthen these stereotypes?
As men were expected to fight courageously and be willing to sacrifice their lives for their country.
Was there a crisis of masculinity in the cinema of 1940s?
No.
In 1920/30s what had women gained?
They had gained rights that they previously didn’t have (voting)
Were women’s rights now equal to men’s?
No.
Where did women still lack equal rights?
The work force and in their home.
What were women limited to?
Secretarial, Nursing and Domestic Jobs
How were women expected to conform?
To traditional standards of behaviour, to look attractive and to bring up the children and look after the home.
Does Casablanca challenge dominant ideological representations of women?
Yes.
What did Casablanca mirror?
The freedom that American women were slowly gaining.
How is Ilsa fundamental to the narrative?
Through her relationship with Rick.
What about Ilsa suggests her moral strength and determination to the allied cause?
Her relationship with Laszlo and her refusal to accept a singular exit visa.
Which scene is the greatest show of Ilsa’s determination and loyalty to the cause?
Where she breaks into Rick’s and challenges his selfishness for 2 exit visa’s.
How is the scene where Ilsa visits Rick a transgressive representation? (Cinematography)
The Chiaroscuro lighting between the black and white shows her complexity and contrasts to the conventional studio aesthetic.
How is the scene where Ilsa visits Rick a transgressive representation? (Mise-en-scene)
Gun’s are a Phallic object and seen as masculine - Ilsa pulling the gun out on Rick appears as violent.
Does the rest of the scene start to reconfirm traditional representations of gender?
Yes.
How does her performance and shot type reinforce traditional representations of femininity?
Performance: She’s crying and turning away from him.
Shot type: Close up shot, focusing on her tears.
How does the lighting reinforce traditional representations of femininity?
Lighting is used to create ‘impossible sparkle’ in her eye. The Hollywood aesthetic also makes her appear as softer.
How is Ingrid Bergman usually shot, Who is she usually looking at?
From the left as it was her ‘best side’ and her attention is usually a man.
What does the studio aesthetic do?
Reinforces Ilsa’s beauty and femininity as well as ideological patriarchal ideas about her gender.
What are the 2 most prominent women called?
Yvonne (Marseillaise) Annina (Bulgarian Newlywed looking to escape to America)
How does Yvonne challenge dominant representations of gender in 1940s?
In Le Marseillaise sequence her delivery adds spirit to the scene and the close up shot privileges her experience.
