Casablanca is a visually good film thanks to the use of 1940s Hollywood craftsmanship. The director, Michael Curtiz, and the writers, Howard Koch, Julius Epstein, and Philip Epstein, all won Oscars for their contributions, including best director and best screenplay. The film has numerous successes, however, thanks to its use of mise-en-scène, timeless writing and cinematic elements. Casablanca's first great success is the impeccable use of mise-en-scène. Mise-en-scène is a key element in representing the character for who he really is. For example, in the scene with Rick and Annina, Rick is still an ethically ambiguous character but is dressed all in white, the color of goodness or nobility. This gives the viewer mixed signals, but adheres to the illusion that regardless of his actions, Rick can be trusted and will ultimately make an ethical decision. Another example is the use of alcohol, a pertinent motif, as a representation of Rick. Whenever Rick is seen drinking, he is alone or facing a problem. This tendency and addiction of Rick in drinking...