Hutchinson - Casablanca

It could be said that it is hard to relate to Casablanca, because it takes place overseas in a country unknown to many Americans. However, given the time Casablanca premiered, and the nature of the film itself, it was not hard for many Americans to fully appreciate what it had to offer. It is true that the film takes place in this exotic country in unoccupied France during WWII, but that was not so far fetched for Americans of the time, because America had just entered the war. Throughout the movie, audiences really only see Americans portrayed by the characters of Sam and Rick, both politically uninvolved in struggles and undergrounds of Casablanca. These Americans symbolize an attitude that America itself had possessed only a year earlier – it’s not our war, we’re going to stay out of it. But like the American attitude so drastically shifted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, so did the attitude of Rick change after he was reunited with his long lost love, Ilsa, and no American can resist a good love story. Not only was the movie made with one of Hollywood’s leading men as its star, but it had a distinctly American feel, even in the midst of a French country. Rick’s Café is that element of comfort needed for American audiences. Even when Victor leads the French National Anthem "La Marseillaise," audiences want to stand up and cheer and sing with them. Patriotism is a concept well known and embraced by Americans, especially patriotism for the underdog good guys. In that scene, Victor starts as the central character, being the rebellious hero, leading the people in their national anthem. However, as the shots go back and forth between the Germans and Victor, Victor becomes less central, surrounded by the French citizens joining him. He blends into them, still clearly the leader, but counted among them. The lighting is almost evenly divided over every one in the scene, bringing home that concept of unity. The only people really in shadow or darkness are the band, making the audience focus on the people singing. The shot itself is public, once again adding to the theme of unity. Anyone could picture his or herself just right in there, singing along with his or her fellow citizens, representing the country they love.