Auteur

• Warner Bros - Studio
• Warner Bros:

  • reflect features of their 1942 films
  • created a film noir aesthetic
  • Polish Jews dedicated to the war effort
  • shaped Bogart's persona
  • gave spitfires to UK armed forces
• Hal. B. Wallis - Producer
• Hal. B. Wallis:

  • bought rights for the play 'Everyone comes to Rick's'
  • known as 'one man working studio'
  • contributed to the final line "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"
• Michael Curtiz - Director
• Michael Curtiz:

  • contract director, no clear trade mark
  • Hungarian immigrant, passionate about the project
  • known as the 'journey man'
  • contributed to fast talking between characters
  • In line with Warner Bros film noir aesthetic
• Arthur Edeson - Cinematographer
• Arthur Edeson:

  • low key cinematography style
  • key lights
  • gauze filters
  • chiaroscuro lighting in Rick's cafe
• Max Steiner - Composer
• Max Steiner:

  • leitmotif reflects auteur signature
  • score brings emotional moments
  • influenced by German and Austrian composers
• Humphrey Bogart - Star
• Humphrey Bogart:

  • "Here's looking at you kid"
  • contract star at Warner Bros
  • persona shaped as cynical tough guy
• Epstein Brothers, Koch, Robinson - Screenwriters
• Epstein Brothers, Kock, Robinson:

  • Epstein brothers = wit
  • Koch = politics
  • Robinson = romance
• Andrew Sarris' auteur theory:

  • Technical skill
  • Interior meaning
  • Personal style
  • Said that Casablanca was the 'most decisive exception'