There’s almost a parable quality to “Bicycle Thieves.” It takes place in Rome, and it follows Antonio who desperately needs a job to bring food to his wife, his son Bruno and baby. It ultimately helped shape the French New Wave – and its impact continues to be felt in today’s movies – think of Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” and more recently “Never, Rarely Sometimes Always” and “Nomadland.” This movement was very influential and filmmakers like Roberto Rossellini and Luchino Visconti among others created exemplary works in it. The shooting in the streets became integral to the style of the films but it was born out of necessity since the Cinecitta studios were destroyed during the War. Neorealism was a manifestation of change and a need for social progress in Italy. They often included children as part of the story – although usually in the role of the observer. It highlighted the poetry in the mundane and in the fragility of the human condition. It emphasized the need for survival in the poor and lower working class. The story lines were simple and found drama in humdrum happenings. The films illustrated the common individual’s struggles with poverty, oppression and injustices which were causing a sense of desperation in the country. The subject matter focused on the everyday person facing the economic and social conditions of Italy after World War II. It emphasized a documentary technique, the use of nonprofessional actors, a rejection of Hollywood conventions – shooting in natural locations as opposed to studio sets and de-emphasizing editing. ![]() It is a story that could take place right now in any city in the United States.ĭeSica collaborated with writer Cesare Zavattini, working in a distinctive style known as Italian Neorealism which flourished between 19 in literature as well as cinema. Given the heightened poverty in our country exacerbated by COVID creating so much havoc on everybody’s livelihoods, this movie’s power and vitality seem stronger. Vittorio DeSica’s “Bicycle Thieves” (1948) is another film that every serious cinephile needs to have checked out at least once. “There’s a cure for everything – except death.”
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