Sequence analysis assignment on Casablanca scene

The assignment has two components: a shot-by-shot analysis and an essay.

1. Detailed, shot-by-shot analysis of the scene. Enumerate the shots in the scene and describe each shot’s
   stylistic features. 50 points.
   You should include the following relevant information: camera distance, angle and movement; important
   elements of or changes in the mise-en-scène, such as staging, costume, figure movement, and screen
   direction; pertinent narrative information; the nature of shot transitions; the use of diegetic and non-diegetic
   sound; and shot duration.
   Adopting a clear and consistent form is essential to this exercise. Use short forms for shot scales (e.g. LS for
   long shot, CU for close-up). Only basic information should be included in a shot-by-shot analysis. It should look
   something like this:
   Shot 1. LS, straight-on angle. 7 seconds. Establishing shot of a large office lined with bookcases. There are no
   windows. There is a single, closed door at frame left. At frame right, John, dressed in a blue suit, is seated
   behind a large oak desk. The desk and John are oriented facing the center of the room. John begins writing on
   a piece of paper. There is a sound of a knock at the door. Cut to:
   Shot 2. MCU, low angle. 3 seconds. John raises his head and looks to frame left. Cut to:
   Shot 3. MCU, straight on. 3 seconds. Reverse-shot of the door. Eerie non-diegetic music begins to play. Cut to:
   Shot 4. LS, straight on. 10 seconds. The non-diegetic music bridges over the cut and continues. John rises
   from the desk. His chair squeaks. The camera tracks inward, reframing him in MCU, and then tracks left,
   following John as he walks across the room to the door. He reaches for the doorknob. Match-on- action cut to:
   Shot 5. CU, low angle. 5 seconds. John’s hand nears the doorknob. The music grows louder….
   If a shot appears to be a repeat of an earlier shot, simply record it as follows: "Shot 8: As Shot 3. A woman
   enters the frame from off-screen right." Be sure to note any pertinent changes within your description (if there
   are any). Make your reference to the most recent version of the repeated shot within the scene.
2. 750-word analysis. Do not offer a review of the film or a critique of the scene (or elements within it). Instead,
   use your observations about the movie's formal features to devise an argument that identifies the patterns of
   style that emerge and explains their function. Keep your comments concise and focused on the form. 50
   points.
   In devising your argument, it may be helpful to consider the following questions:
   • What formal and stylistic aspects of the scene are emphasized? How? Why?
3. 
   • How are time and space treated? How do editing, mise-en-scène, cinematography, and sound aid
4. in our
   comprehension of that treatment?
5. 
   • Are any of the film's larger themes evident in this scene, as revealed by specific formal features?

Sample Solution