Even to this day, the flashing, black and white motion pictures of the classic movie 'Casablanca' resonates with us. We remember the sparkling romance between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, their silhouettes against the dim, moody backdrop. But little do we delve into the meticulous process of creating this cinematic masterpiece, the Casablanca Behind-the-Scenes stories that shaped the film's unprecedented success.
Casablanca Set Location: The Magic Behind the Imagery
Released in 1942, amidst the throes of the Second World War, 'Casablanca' is significant for its historical context, blending war-era tragedies with romance. Contrary to popular belief, Casablanca was not filmed in the Moroccan city itself, but rather, like many other Hollywood classics of its era, it was created in a studio set located in Burbank, California.
Its grand exterior shots of the city were stock images, blended with the backdrop paintings, models, and animations. Each intricate set was designed to create the illusion of the bustling Moroccan city, its streets teeming with people, and the iconic, ever-busy Rick's Café Américain oozed a gritty ambiance masking a refuge within. From the actual table where Rick drowns his sorrows to the unforgettable final scene of his goodbye with Ilsa at a foggy airport, each location was a stage in a sound studio.
Why Was Casablanca Filmed in Black and White: The Artistic Insight
As we delve deeper into the Casablanca Behind-the-Scenes narrative, a frequently asked question that comes up is 'Why was Casablanca filmed in black and white and not color?' Movie-making technology of the 1940s allowed for color films, however, 'Casablanca' directors and producers opted to stay with monochrome. The answer to this decision lies not in technological limitations but within artistic choices.
Black and white cinematography offered a unique perspective to the storyline, adding dramatic effect and depth to various plot points. The high-contrast visuals allowed for the play of light and shadow that highlighted the actors' expressions and the intricate details of their surroundings creating a moody sentiment fitting of its genre. Every frame, every shot in the film was a masterful play of light and shadow.
Moreover, the decision to film in black and white was not merely aesthetic. This choice played an important role in hiding certain production flaws, such as the use of plywoods and glass paintings as backdrop, and the fact that the climactic airport scene was actually shot in a foggy film studio to make the tiny model plane look distant and realistic. In this way, the black and white visuals enhanced the verisimilitude of the meticulously designed sets.
From the delicious chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman to its immortal dialogue — “We'll always have Paris;” “Here's looking at you, kid”—“Casablanca” is a cinematic masterpiece. Yet, the captivating monochrome magic of this timeless classic was weaved through a blend of backstage stories, memorable filming locations, and ingenious artistic choices. Let's delve deeper into the magic behind the scenes, right from the heart of Casablanca.
The Unscripted Chemistry
When you watch Bogart and Bergman, you can't help but feel pulled into their unspoken love and longing. Interestingly, this deeply moving connection was just as unplanned as it was potent. The chemistry between the two lead actors was so palpable that the writers were inspired to weave it into the script, forever etching Rick and Ilsa's love story into cinematic history.
The legendary duo rehearsed diligently but, reportedly, they often improvised, adding depth and authenticity to their unforgettable characters. A fun fact about Bogart and Bergman's height difference—Humphrey Bogart had to wear platform shoes to match Ingrid Bergman's height in multiple scenes! This clever trick seamlessly integrated the physical disparities, allowing the viewers to focus on their emotional synergy instead.
Iconic Filming Locations
While the story unfolds in the exotic city of Casablanca, Morocco, truth is, the movie was predominantly shot in a Burbank studio, California. A few outdoor scenes were filmed in Van Nuys Airport, Los Angeles. The striking set designs and clever camera work brought the vibrant Moroccan street scenes to life.
The iconic airport scene—one of the film's turning points—might come as a surprise to many. The misty backdrop, appearing to depict an ensuing thunderstorm, was actually a smoke screen to hide the small size of the plane and set—it was a scaled-down model. The “engineers” fixing the plane were little people, a strategy used to amplify the illusion of the plane's size!
Masterful Monochrome Magic
The decision to film “Casablanca” in black and white was both an artistic and practical choice. The monochrome format offered a distinctive noirish quality, contributing to the movie's dramatic flair. It perfectly captured the wartime ambiance, accentuating the underlying tension and conflict.
In addition, shooting in black and white was cost-effective and allowed for a rapid filming schedule — a critical factor considering the uncertainties of World War II. Interestingly, the aspect of Casablanca being monochrome also meant that the blue of the French Moroccan sky didn't matter as it all appeared the same shade of grey on the monochromatic film.
The fascinating tales from behind the scenes, the ingenious use of filming locations, and the mastery over monochrome cinematography all contribute to Casablanca's enduring status as a classic. Such is the magic of Casablanca that, to quote Humphrey Bogart, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," every single time we rewatch this timeless masterpiece.