Bicycle Thieves: An Expression of Italian Neo-realism

Bicycle Thieves is considered an example of Italian Neo-realism. The plot demonstrates Italians of the working class in Italy and unfolds their day to day lives. One could argue it portray the reality and develops into an emotional storyline towards the end. Antonio, the main character is offered a job requiring a bicycle and on his first day it was stolen on the streets. You immediately feel drawn to the character as you want to see a happy ending. Watching the film, automatically feel sorry for him as he’s got no money and needs to make a living as soon as possible for his wife with two children to support. From the close ups and observational shots it clearly shows he is desperate as Antonio and his son Bruno go around searching for it for hours. The opening sequence uses the conventions of documentary to introduce the film giving an impression of realism and authenticity, which attracted me to the film instantly. These shots were used to capture realism. The function of this scene is to illustrate the nature of surrounding and an insight of Italy at this time.

The key moments I have noticed were the repetition of the crowd scenes and the camera focused on what is happening at the time in the town. The way the film invites us in a particular way captures the audience into the characters worlds and how they live from their own judgments. “Lies in being able to observe reality, not to extract fictions from it”. I examined that I was able to extract observational shots straight away and was able to observe reality quickly. Long takes which indicates the deep focus which suggests the realism in the film. The film shows the uncaring system is the reality of Italy, but they do not want this to be exploited. The desperate need for he...

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...ue to their circumstances. The film’s final shots are extremely powerful, especially in the last film shots as it captures Antonio’s emotions because of his mistake. Father and son both hold hands in the crowd in tears. The last scene portrays to the audience they are desperate to have the bicycle back. It presents the significance in their lives and the effect it will have on their future.

Director declares that the camera is a “hunger for reality”. That it shouldn’t manipulate cinema. Elements of the film that is realistic. s the fact that the thieves are not portrayed as bad people but as victims of a corrupted society. The most significant insight I gained from this film is that a story doesn’t have to be complicated. A small idea can start a whole landslide of emotions which is something I have taken away with me from this film to produce ideas in the future.