Overview
This sequence establishes the foundations of the history that Rick, Ilsa, and Sam share together during their time in Paris. At this point, the events of what actually happened are shrouded in mystery, and the viewer is left to ponder why the relationship between the characters is so tense. This sequence also introduces us to the main theme of the film – As Time Goes By – which is performed by Sam.
Cinematography
We spend the majority of the conversation between Sam and Ilsa looking at Ilsa, with the typical shot/reverse shot sparsely being used.
As Sam plays As Time Goes By we cut to an extended reactionary shot of Ilsa. From this, the viewer is able to infer that she has an emotional connection to the song.
As Rick enters the room, we cut to a low-angle shot that frames him centrally. This provides an appropriately dramatic entrance for the tense reunion between the past lovers.
Rick’s depth of field is much deeper than Ilsa’s subconsciously diverting the viewer’s attention towards Ilsa’s glamour. The closeup of Rick draws attention to his rugged, craggy appearance, whilst also being able to take in the surroundings of the café.
Sound
As Time Goes By is expertly implemented as an emotionally manipulative diegetic piece that provides an appropriate romantic evocation – it was specifically selected by Max Steiner himself.
As Rick and Ilsa see each other, Steiner’s emotional score promptly enters the mix, highlighting the tension between the couple.
Mise-en-scène
Rick’s café as a set is arguably the heart of the production, being meticulously designed and highly expensive. The location is inevitably displayed often, foregrounding the lavish production values.
Ilsa wears extravagant jewellery that glistens in the light, highlighting her beauty.
Careful blocking of the actors allows for everything of importance to be visible in the frame. For example, Laszlo moves out of the way when Renault calls a waiter to the table in order to display who he is talking to.
Editing
In typical Classical Hollywood fashion, Curtiz employs a shot/reverse shot sequence between Rick and Ilsa. However, the closeups of Ilsa are much more prolonged, highlighting her radiant appearance.
Reframing the composition of the shot provides a seamless transition from a four-shot to a three-shot, reducing the frequency of potentially jarring cuts.
Performance
At the end of the sequence, Rick silently conveys his emotions. His distraught facial expression emphasises his emotional inner turmoil as he turns to face the camera. Although he doesn’t look directly into the camera, this mid shot of Rick appropriately illustrates his wistful state of mind.
Context and Representation
The dialogue between Rick and Ilsa is highly melodramatic, reflecting the conventions of the romance genre that the film conforms to. The specific language used successfully manipulates the viewer to tug on their heartstrings and emotional resonate with the characters.
Throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood, Humphrey Bogart was a film star who was often typecast as the ‘rugged individual’ archetype. Studios capitalised upon the fact that audiences went to see films in order to see their favourite stars, and Rick’s character epitomises Bogart’s acting strengths.
Otis Morley’s A-Level Film Studies Blog 