CASABLANCA: Intro to rick's bar scene analysis

At the beginning of the scene, we are shown the entrance to rick's cafe which is more lively and lit up which shows the contrast between day and night. There is a spotlight over the doors to the cafe which suggests to the audience that it is where the main action takes place and that it is allude to the potential of clandestine activity. We are then introduced to the rest of the cafe as the doors open and there's a tracking shot, cutting to different guests to convey its busyness. 

The jazzy love song coupled with the nonchalant appearance of those who are dining lulls the audience into a false sense of security. Two characters are in the forefront of the shot, in a a more low-key area, suggesting that they are engaging in surreptitious undertakings. The well-lit room and the glee of the jazz band do much to set in place the at ease ambience of the room and its hedonistic tone. The focus is on the jazz band which pulls us through the room, drawing attention to the singer, seated at the piano, showing that he is an important character, which is further emphasised with the bright lighting on him and placing the entertainment at the focus distracting the audience.  

The next shot is a pan that is slightly tilted to focus on two men in conversation. This is the first substantiation of Casablanca being presented as an undesirable location. The man on the right, slouched and wearing an expression of despair, is wearing black, shrouded with a moody shadow, which contrasts with the man on left wearing white perhaps to imply his innocence to the true egregious nature of Casablanca.  The lighting technique used here may be chiaroscuro which is effective as it foreshadows the inevitable conflict. Everyone is trying to leave, which is ironic because it is conveyed as such an idyllic place through the high-spirited ambience. 

Next is the scene that builds an intense amount of mystery around the character Rick. There are a number of shots and unusual framing before we even see his face. This prolonged avoidance before meeting him encourages the audience to be fascinated prior to even seeing him. Firstly his signature which is considerably informal, implying that he has a humorous or unserious manner as a business man. Secondly, a glass of alcohol and a cigarette, as well as a chess board before the camera shows us his face. The frame is filled up with him and the contents on the table. The chess board could hint at his characteristics; he is intelligent and strategic. The mid-shot revealing that the chair opposite him is empty could signify that he is a man at war with himself. It could also be a way of foreshadowing things - later in the movie he has to make a moral decision in a fight essentially with himself and his desire. This is an example of how mis en scene can give us many clues to someones characteristics and story.