Comparing Casablanca and Do the Right Thing

Representation

• In "Casablanca," gender representation is tied to traditional roles of the 1940s, portraying women as supportive figures in the shadow of heroic men.
• The Paris flashback scene in "Casablanca" idealizes Ilsa Lund as a figure of lost love and purity, with soft lighting and a romantic focus highlighting her beauty and emotional depth.
• In "Do the Right Thing," female characters like Mother Sister and Jade exhibit complexity and resilience, reflecting the multifaceted nature of womanhood within a racially charged environment.
• The opening scene of "Do the Right Thing" features Tina, played by Rosie Perez, dancing to Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," with dynamic camera movements and vibrant lighting emphasizing her assertiveness and strength.

Ethnicity

• "Casablanca" showcases an array of ethnicities, primarily through the diverse patrons of Rick's Café, with characters from different backgrounds interacting and clashing.
• Victor Laszlo, a Czech resistance leader, embodies the fight against oppression and fascism, adding a layer of political depth to his ethnicity.
• "Do the Right Thing" portrays the vibrant and volatile dynamics of a Brooklyn neighborhood, with ethnic diversity reflected through a vivid color palette and varied character perspectives.
• The tragic death of Radio Raheem at the hands of the police starkly illustrates systemic racial tensions and injustice.

Historical Context

• "Casablanca" was produced during World War II, reflecting the anxieties and moral imperatives of the time, and serving as both entertainment and propaganda.
• The film's characters' struggles and sacrifices mirror the broader fight against fascism, urging audiences to recognize the importance of solidarity and resistance.
• "Do the Right Thing" captures the racial tensions and social upheaval of late 1980s America, reflecting the urgent need for social justice and reform.

Film Form

• Lighting in "Casablanca" sets the emotional tone, with soft, romantic lighting in the Paris flashback scene and high-contrast lighting with fog in the final scene.
• "Do the Right Thing" employs intense, colorful lighting to reflect the heat and tension of the neighborhood, with stark lighting emphasizing the brutality and emotional intensity of Radio Raheem's death.
• Camera work in "Casablanca" features smooth, flowing movements in the Paris scene, while "Do the Right Thing" uses dynamic and energetic camera angles, especially in the opening scene.
• Sound in "Casablanca" is meticulously crafted to evoke emotional responses, with diegetic music ("As Time Goes By") in the Paris scene and non-diegetic music heightening the emotional impact in the final scene.
• Sound in "Do the Right Thing" utilizes "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy in the opening scene to set the tone of resistance and empowerment, with a sudden shift from diegetic to non-diegetic sound during Radio Raheem's death.

Auteur Theory

• Michael Curtiz's direction in "Casablanca" blends personal and political narratives seamlessly, with a classical Hollywood style evident in the use of lighting, camera work, and sound.
• Spike Lee's bold, confrontational approach is a hallmark of his auteur style, with a focus on socio-political issues and a strong personal vision.

Key Scenes

• The Paris scene in "Casablanca" creates a nostalgic portrayal of Rick and Ilsa's relationship, contrasting with the harsher realities faced later.
• The final scene in "Casablanca" underscores themes of sacrifice and duty, with Rick's decision to help Ilsa and Victor escape despite his feelings for Ilsa highlighting the moral complexities of wartime choices.
• The opening scene in "Do the Right Thing" establishes the film's themes of resistance and empowerment, with vibrant lighting, dynamic camera angles, and impactful music.
• Radio Raheem's death in "Do the Right Thing" is a critical commentary on police brutality and systemic racism, reflecting the film's social critique.