Casablanca is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and it’s not hard to see why. Coming at a time when the world needed it most, the film brings comedy and romance to a dark situation. It is often considered a noir film because if this darkness, but it’s lightheartedness, along with other elements, keeps it from falling into the gloomy genre. Released only a year apart, Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon share multiple commonalities, which fuels the debate over whether or not Casablanca is a noir film. The most obvious similarity between the two is the three actors who star in both films, Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet. By putting these characters together again.
Another similarity is the use of shadows, specifically with establishing shots. Both films use the shadows created by lettering on a window to establish where a scene takes place.
Thirdly, both movies have an element of corruption. The Maltese Falcon follows Sam Spade as he gets wrapped up in the search for the falcon, and also with the murder of his partner. He is a shady character who can’t always be trusted. Casablanca includes corrupt characters like Captain Renault, who are involved in gambling and asking for payment other than money.
Although it isn’t categorized as a noir film, Casablanca does have some noir elements. …show more content…
The search for the travel papers also adds to this idea.
Of course, the use of light and darkness gives the movie a noir feel. When Rick take Victor into his office, shadows are used to portray Rick’s silhouette on the wall. Sometimes there is just darkness, like when is drinking alone in his cafe at night, or during the final scene when the plane takes off. There is also the giant spotlight that constantly sweeps Casablanca, constantly searching, just like Rick searches for true
Another similarity is the use of shadows, specifically with establishing shots. Both films use the shadows created by lettering on a window to establish where a scene takes place.
Thirdly, both movies have an element of corruption. The Maltese Falcon follows Sam Spade as he gets wrapped up in the search for the falcon, and also with the murder of his partner. He is a shady character who can’t always be trusted. Casablanca includes corrupt characters like Captain Renault, who are involved in gambling and asking for payment other than money.
Although it isn’t categorized as a noir film, Casablanca does have some noir elements. …show more content…
The search for the travel papers also adds to this idea.
Of course, the use of light and darkness gives the movie a noir feel. When Rick take Victor into his office, shadows are used to portray Rick’s silhouette on the wall. Sometimes there is just darkness, like when is drinking alone in his cafe at night, or during the final scene when the plane takes off. There is also the giant spotlight that constantly sweeps Casablanca, constantly searching, just like Rick searches for true