Camera Movement In Casablanca

Camera Movement in Casablanca (ESSAY #3) (A-)

It’s important to watch Casablanca while thinking about the context in which it was released. After the United States entered World War II, it was a little over a year before audiences saw Casablanca. It doesn’t take much investigation to see how the war plays a part in the storytelling, but certain film techniques helped emphasize messages the film wanted to tell its audience. Through the use of camera movement, the finale of Casablanca puts the spotlight on Strasser and Rick’s newfound relationship, which can convey a message about the United States and its allies.
Near the end of the film, right after Rick shoots Major Strasser, the French police arrive as they enter the frame in a car with

As Renault begins to pick up a bottle, the camera cuts to a closeup of the bottle, fully displaying the name "Vichy Water" on it. We switch back to the mid-shot as they begin to converse. As Renault begins to pour himself a glass, the camera pans and zooms toward him until he takes a look at the brand on the bottle. As Renault throws the bottle into the trash, the camera cuts to the previous closeup and follows the bottle as it's thrown down. Renault does the job of kicking the bottle (and trash bin) out of the frame, and then the camera pans up Renault’s body as he walks behind Rick. The shot ends with both men in the frame, Rick in front once again. Skipping to the end, both men walk down the lane together, passing the camera, and then walking away from the camera. The camera slowly rises and the screen fades to

Without the shots listed above, the significance of this scene loses part of its political meaning. By emphasizing the brand of the bottle, and maneuvering the camera in such a way to suggest the trashing of the bottle is significant, you create meaning in the camera movement. Throughout the entire movie, after Renault seemed to be a sort of frenemy to Rick while working with Strasser, he decides to join Rick’s side. In doing so, he breaks his relationship with the Germans, as well as the Vichy government. Instead of explicitly stating his disassociation, the camera does the storytelling by telling the audience what’s important through the movement of the camera. A close-up of the bottle signifies it will be important to remember. A zoom and pan towards Renault indicates something important should be happening to his character. Finally, following the bottle as it’s thrown in the trash tells the audience exactly what it wants to without saying a word. The audience knows exactly how he feels about the Vichy government through these actions, and the added kick of the trash further emphasizes his feelings. Focusing on the bottle instead of Renault’s facial expression actually makes this scene even more memorable because of its brilliant way of conveying its message. The final shot, with both men walking together in unison, emphasizes their newfound relationship. Symbolic of the United States and what could be inferred