Establishing Theme: Select A Movie From AFI’s Top 10 Lists

Establishing Theme Select a movie from AFI’s 10 Top 10 lists and explain how three cinematic techniques and/or design elements have helped establish a major theme in that film

Choose a movie from AFI’s 10 Top 10 lists or seek approval from your professor if selecting a different film. Analyze how three cinematic techniques or design elements contribute to establishing a major theme within the film. Describe the theme using evidence from the film, supported by course resources and scholarly sources, within 800 to 1200 words. Identify at least three techniques or design elements—such as cinematography, lighting, acting style, direction, set design, costuming, or makeup—and explain how these elements help establish the theme, referencing specific scenes or sequences. Discuss how these elements work together and their congruence with the theme. Reflect on whether other techniques might be equally effective and justify your reasoning. Focus your analysis around a clear thesis statement that articulates how the visual and design elements establish and reinforce the film’s major theme.

Paper For Above instruction

For this analysis, I have chosen the film Casablanca (1942), which is frequently listed among America's greatest films and recognized by the AFI’s Top 10. The film’s overarching theme revolves around sacrifice, love, and moral ambiguity in the face of war and political upheaval. Throughout the film, various cinematic techniques and design elements work in tandem to reinforce this central theme, creating a rich, emotionally compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.

Cinematography and Framing

The cinematography in Casablanca plays a pivotal role in emphasizing the theme of sacrifice and moral complexity. Director of Photography Arthur Edeson employs chiaroscuro lighting—strong contrasts between light and shadow—to symbolize the moral ambiguities faced by the characters. For instance, the famous scene where Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) contemplates his decision at the airport features shadows cast across his face, emphasizing internal conflict. The use of close-ups heightens the emotional intensity, allowing viewers to connect with the characters’ inner struggles. The framing of shots, often with characters enclosed within shadows or framed by windows and doorways, visually represents the barriers and dilemmas confronting the characters, reinforcing the theme of moral ambivalence and sacrifice.

Lighting and Color Palette

Lighting in Casablanca is carefully crafted to support its themes. The film predominantly uses low-key lighting to evoke a moody, tense atmosphere reflective of the war-torn setting. Warm lighting is selectively applied during moments of genuine human connection, such as Rick’s interactions with Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), highlighting the emotional warmth amidst the prevailing cynicism. Conversely, scenes depicting political tension or moral conflict are often underlit or darkened, signifying uncertainty and the difficulty of moral choices. The restrained color palette, primarily black-and-white, also contributes to the timeless quality of the film, underscoring the universality of its themes of sacrifice and love amidst chaos.

Acting Style and Direction

The acting style, characterized by Humphrey Bogart’s subtle yet powerful performance and Ingrid Bergman’s nuanced portrayal of Ilsa, enhances the film’s thematic core. Bogart’s stoic demeanor and restrained emotions reflect Rick’s internal struggle with his past love and moral convictions. Director Michael Curtiz’s direction intensifies these performances by emphasizing subtle gestures and expressions, which communicate complex emotional states that words might not fully express. Scenes such as the farewell at the airport convey profound sacrifice and unresolved love, with acting that underscores the theme’s emotional weight. The deliberate pacing and tone set by the director guide viewers through the moral landscape of the characters, reinforcing the overarching theme of sacrifice for a greater good.

Integration of Elements and Concluding Opinion

In Casablanca, the confluence of cinematography, lighting, and acting creates a cohesive mise en scène that effectively establishes its central theme. The visual motifs—shadows, framing, and lighting—work in harmony with the actors’ performances and the direction to evoke a sense of moral complexity and emotional sacrifice. The design elements are highly congruent with the theme, as they visually represent the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters. While other techniques—such as sound design or set decoration—also contribute to the atmosphere, the chosen visual and performance elements remain the most effective in conveying the film’s enduring themes.

Overall, the careful integration of cinematic techniques and design elements in Casablanca illustrates how form can amplify theme, creating a timeless story that continues to resonate. The film’s visual style, combined with compelling performances and thoughtful direction, ensures that its themes of sacrifice, love, and moral ambiguity are not only established but vividly maintained throughout its narrative.

References

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• Naremore, J. (2014). The Material Image: Art and the Real in Film. University of California Press.
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• Trimble, S. (2012). The Films of Humphrey Bogart. Da Capo Press.
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