Meghan’s Blog

Casablanca (1942)

Directed by Michael Curtiz

The film, Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz, describes the tainted love story of characters Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman). During the film, the differences in the diegetic and non-diegetic sound is prominent. The music the characters can hear (diegetic) was implemented inside Rick’s saloon (one of the most important sets in the story). The non-diegetic sound was used for emphasis in mood shifts within the film.

In one of the most important scenes, the sing-off in the saloon had a big impact when it comes to sound. The scene begins when Rick refuses to give Victor Lazlo the letters of transit to flee Casablanca. As Lazlo walks out of Rick’s office, the german troops start chanting a German anthem in the saloon. Lazlo walks over to the saloon’s band and begins to sing “La Marseillaise”. The rest of the people in the saloon join and sing along to “La Marseillaise”, overpowering the german anthem. It shows the power dynamic that even when the enemy is present there is hope for good. It also emphasized how everyone in the saloon were refugees together. The German troops invaded to continue to separate people over their political, religious and personal beliefs, yet the refugees stood united in such an important part of the film.

Separate from sound, the impact of the war portrayed how the United States was a safe haven during the war. It showed the world how much more powerful we were, leading to an American character saving the day in the end. The war was the reason for the taint in Rick and Ilsa’s relationship. They were separated from each other due to fleeing purposes for a better life. Rick’s decision to have Ilsa go to America was sad yet proved to be hopeful for refugees like them going to the US.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Directed by Orson Welles

The film, Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, tells the story of lead actor, Charles Foster Kane’s rise and fall with money and power. In the beginning of movie, I thought it was the scene from The Wizard of Oz where the cast was in the woods, the monkeys were lurking, the “no trespassing” sign was hanging and the eerie view of the Wicked Witch’s castle was clear across the way. As soon as the newsreel of Charles Kane’s life had ended, I knew I was evidently wrong. This film surprised me in many ways. From the symbolism to the cinematography, I felt compelled throughout the entire story.

Charles Kane is a deeply complex character. He embodies power, popularity and money, yet lacks sincerity, love, and sympathy. He grew up detached from his biological family which shows his lack of security and sense of love and belonging. The owner of Thatcher Banks became Kane’s guardian and taught him the ins and outs of money and its stature. Money is what became Kane’s only sense of stability in his life. As Kane’s wealth grew, he began to cheat, lie and lose empathy for people who relied on him. His whole newspaper company was based off of the tactic of yellow journalism; providing invalid or fake stories to profit. This proved he was shady and selfish when it came to his demeanor.

The only thing that was sustainable in Kane’s life was his buying power. Statues for example, were something he bought throughout the entire film and was referenced and seen numerous times. They symbolize stability for Kane, literally and figuratively. Statues have the ability to be manipulated, like people, who he constantly needed reaffirmation from. They also symbolize strength that will never break down and leave unless one chooses. Kane couldn’t keep a wife. He couldn’t maintain friendships. He didn’t have a family. The only things that became valuable to him were material items, which led to his overall downfall and demise.