Italian Films

Italian Neorealism

Italian neorealism emerged after the end of WW2 with the fall of Mussolini's government (fascist regime) in 1943. The neorealism movement was a response to the political struggles and terrible economy in Italy at the time. Neorealisam fought to uncover the truth of the widespread turmoil and suffering in Italy, including some social problems that come around because of the lack or awareness. Neorealism also criticises the view of society.

There were certain traits the neorealsim films had.

• Filming on location instead of sets
• Unprofessional actors
• Natural lighting
• Photography done in a documentary like fashion.
• Avoiding over editing that would be noticed
• Narratives were commonly focused on the poor or working class

There were two main neorealist film makers at this time, Roberto Rossellini and Vittorio De Sica.

Roberto Rossellini was well known for his war trilogy's. He created the films 'Rome Open City' (1945), 'Paisan' (1946), and 'Germany Year Zero' (1948). 'Rome Open City' is a drama about the Nazi occupation of Rome. This film got many international awards.

'Paisan' consists of 6 episodes, set in the time were Italy was being liberated from the Nazi's at the end of WW2.

'Germany Year Zero' takes a new view on the effects of war on Germany though the point of view of a 12 year old boy.

Vittorio De Sica created the well known film 'The Bicycle Thief' (1948). Many view this film as the best film of the neorealism film age. It shows us the effects of unemployment and post war conditions.