Comparison

                                       Casablanca (1942) VS Pretty woman (1990)

In this post I am going to compare 2 Hollywood movies. Naturally, these films have some differences. And it is not surprising because Casablanca was made in 1942, while Pretty woman in 1990. But similarities of Hollywood conventions cannot be rejected.

Narratives & Stories

Casablanca

In Casablanca narrative is enriched and to some extent explained by a flashback in Paris. Against a background of Visa’s problems love story of main characters is developing. Cause and effects link events. It is mentioned that because Ilsa left Rick in Paris at first he didn’t want to listen to her explanations and tried to understand the situation, while Ilsa couldn’t stay with him as she was married and should aid her sick husband. Also there is a closure in film. A viewer realized in the end which kind of relationship connected Ilsa and Rick, why she left him and why she did tell him nothing in Paris about her husband.

Pretty woman

In pretty woman narrative is linear.It is made in chronological order, so there is no problem with understanding who is Vivien, how she met Edward, which relationship they had. The plot is character-led. For instance, Vivian was a prostitute so she wanted to be with Edward because he could pay her, while Edward would like to find someone to relax and not to feel pressure. The closure in this film was would Vivien and Edward be together despite the difference in status (he is a millionaire and she is a prostitute).

Themes

Casablanca

Naturally, love and moral values are the main topics in this film. Also heterosexual relationship is a part of dominant ideology. It can be seen in lots of moments. Though, Ilsa loved Rick so much, she couldn’t forget her husband, who needed her support in Paris. And so she left her sweetheart because of her duty. Either although Rick promised Ilsa to stay with her forever, at the end he said that if she leave Laslo she cannot forgive herself. It means that her spiritual values and happiness are more important for him than his own bliss.

Pretty woman

This film is based on love story. It is shown that love can change people’s minds. For example if at first Vivian was some kind of prostitute, who thought that she could only sell her body and nothing more. In the end she is confident in herself. She wants to finish with this job and get an education in college. As for Richard, if earlier he didn’t think about other people, then he wants to help one businessman to save his company, even if it doesn't bring some benefits exactly to him.

Content

Casablanca

Casablanca is a good example of Hollywood conventions. There are no nude bodies and sex scenes. We can see only one scene with kissing of main characters.

Pretty woman

The situation is different in pretty woman, because in many scenes we can see nude bodies of characters. Moreover, there were some scenes with their private intimacy.

Conventions

Casablanca

Natural or low key are the fundamental elements of film. Because in the films there were quite a lot of dialogues shot/reverse shot is more likely to be used . From time to time eye-line matching and action shots ware used. Exposition was developed due to flashbacks of main character and dialogues of people in the market and then in Rick's cafe.

Pretty woman

In most cases I saw natural key in film. Also there were different kinds of shots: close ups, medium, long take . Exposition portrays viewers a successful man, who spends most of his time working and a woman, who is trying to survive in this world.

Others

Casablanca

Film contains more diegetic sounds. But sometimes with establishing and re-establishing shots there were some non-diegetic music, which implies place or situation.

Pretty woman

In film there was a main theme music and just in some moment diegetic sounds.

Where

Casablanca

 I suppose that it was filmed in studio with decoration of Rick’s hotel, market and airport.

Pretty woman

I think that this one was also filmed in studio with decoration of hotel, where characters stay. But also in the real world (in Beverly hills or in field, where there was a horse race)

Conclusion

Despite the fact, that content, convention and whereabouts in films are different, narratives, story and  themes have a lot of common.