the essential features of italian neorealism

1. By- Ayshika Karmakar

2. 1. What is the essential features of
Italian Neorealism? How has
Neorealism been shown in the film
‘The Bicycle Thieves’?
Italian Neorealism first appeared in early 1940 in the time of
Mussolini.Italian Neorealism is a national film movement characterized by stories
set amongst the poor and the working class, filmed on location, frequently using non-
professional actors. Italian neorealism films mostly contend with the difficult economic
and moral conditions of post World war. Italy, representing changes in the Italian
psyche and conditions of everyday life, including poverty, oppression, injustice, and
desperation.
The essential features of Italian Neorealism:-
 Neorealist films were generally filmed with non-professional actors,
although in a number of cases, well-known actors were cast in leading roles,
playing strongly against their normal character types in front of a
background populated by local people rather than extras brought in for the
film.
 They were shot almost exclusively on location, mostly in rundown cities as
well as rural areas due to its forming during the post-war era.
 Neorealist films typically explore the conditions of the poor and the lower
working class.
 It should focus on social reality, like, on the poverty or unemployment etc.
 Dialogue and language should be natural even the language can be a regional
language.
 The shooting should be documentary in style, shot in natural light, with
hand held cameras and using observation and analysis.
 How has Neorealism been shown in the film ‘The Bicycle
Thieves’:-
For the adult “star” of Bicycle Thieves, De Sica chose a factory worker: “The way
he moved, the way he sat down, his gestures with those hands of a working man
and not of an actor ... everything about him was perfect.”

3. Neorealism was an influential and significant movement in film history, which took
place in Italy at the ending of World War II. Italy moved from fascism and
dictatorship, whereby much was revolved around a single-party state seen in
World War I, to an equal and democratic society. This change in society brought
about characteristics and principles which became noticeable in cinema during this
time period. These principles not only molded the film Bicycle Thieves, but were
used to bring about a message to the audience.
Truth is an important principle of neorealism, as truth brings realism. This can be
seen through the truth of the characters, lighting, location, décor, camera shots,
camera angles and editing. This not only brings about authenticity but also creates
a much stronger message for the audience. In Bicycle Thieves, there is a
correlation between truth and sentiment, and truth and the political statement –
Which are justifiably both used in this film without over powering one another in
order to positively enhance the films message. Inevitably, in order for a director
to get an actual event (post-war) understood by his audience – truth and realism is
the most effective approach.
2. What were the unique features of
the French New Wave? Give
examples of New Wave films and
their directors.

4.  The directors of French New Wave had admired the
Neorealists especially Rossellini, and in opposition to studio
filmmaking, they decided to shoot on location. They replaced the
glossy studio light with natural and available light. Thus, the French
New Wave films always look natural and casual. In addition, they also
doing experiment of the sound. Unlike studio filmmaking which
remixing the sound, French New Wave directors recorded the sound
during shooting and did not do any correction. For example, in A Bout
De Soufflé , the sound come after action and the highway scene was
shoot on location.
After World War II, France undergoes an economic crisis. Thus, the amount of
investment in filmmaking is very low. Many films were produces on low budget. To
produce a film, French New Wave directors borrowed friend's apartment or yard,
using the director's friends as the cast and crew. For example, in A Bout De
Soufflé, the protagonist talking with his girlfriend in the apartment and the room
of protagonist.
 examples of New Wave films and their directors:-
 La Nouvelle Vague/The New Wave Arrives at Cannes
 The 400 Blows (François Truffaut)
 Breathless (Jean-Luc Godard)
 Le Beau Serge (Claude Chabrol)
 Paris Nous Appartient/Paris Belongs to Us (Jacques Rivette)
 Sign of the Lion (Eric Roehmer)