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Showing posts from October, 2019
Summary of the Studio System The decades when studio systems were most powerful was between 1920-1960. The major "big five" studios were RKO Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Fox, Paramount and Warner Brothers. The reason that this factory method of production was so successful was because they had a formula and stuck to the classical style. Furthermore, during this time going to the cinema became it's own social experience. Because of the cultural context of the time, people went to the cinema to forget the hardships of life.  These studio systems were so powerful that they had control over every stage of contribution. 
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 Casablanca Analysis  Rick's Bar scene The Scene opens with an establishing shot, typical cinematography of the classical style. We notice a spotlight panning across the view in  the mise-En-Scene; representing the fact that in Casablanca, you're always being surveilled. Next, the camera zooms in for a close up of the illuminated sign above the door marked "Rick's CafĂ© Americain", ensuring the audience is fully aware of where we're headed. As the shot heads towards the big double doors of Rick's cafe, it delays and lingers a moment waiting outside, an easy yet effective technique for building intrigue. We hear Sam's singing and at this stage, assume it's non-diegetic music. The camera begins slowly panning from right to left as we finally get to explore the cafe, hoping at the end of our trail to find Rick whom we've heard so much about.  We meet Sam, our first three dimensional character and the music becomes diegetic. We can only assum