ITALIAN NEOREALISM

Key dates: 1942-1951

Key filmmakers: Luchino Visconti, Roberto Rossellini, Vittorio De Sica

What to watch: Ossessione (1943), Rome, Open City (1945), La Terra Trema (1948), Bicycle Thieves (1948), Germany, Year Zero (1948), Umberto D (1952)

What is it ?

Italian neorealism was a film movement that emerged in Italy in the aftermath of World War II. It was characterized by its stark, unadorned depiction of everyday life, with a focus on the struggles of ordinary people in the post-war period.

The neorealist filmmakers rejected the slick, artificial style of mainstream cinema, instead opting for a more naturalistic approach that emphasized the raw emotions and experiences of their characters. They often filmed on location using non-professional actors, and many of their stories were based on real-life events.

The movement was born out of a desire to address the social and economic issues facing Italy at the time, such as poverty, unemployment, and the struggle to rebuild in the wake of the war. Neorealist films often depicted the harsh realities of life in post-war Italy, but also offered a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Some of the most notable neorealist films include Vittorio De Sica's "Bicycle Thieves," Roberto Rossellini's "Rome, Open City," and Luchino Visconti's "La Terra Trema." The movement had a significant influence on world cinema, and its legacy can be seen in the work of filmmakers such as the Dardenne brothers, Abbas Kiarostami, and the Coen brothers.

Peoples thought on it :

• Martin Scorsese: The acclaimed American director has cited neorealism as a major influence on his own work, particularly in his early films. He has praised the movement for its "empathy for the underdog" and its focus on the lives of ordinary people.
  
• Francis Ford Coppola: The director of "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now" has also expressed his admiration for neorealism, calling it a "great awakening" for cinema. He has praised the movement for its honesty and authenticity, and for its ability to capture the realities of post-war Italy.
  
• Abbas Kiarostami: The Iranian director has cited neorealism as a major influence on his own work, particularly in his early films. He has praised the movement for its use of non-professional actors and its ability to capture the rhythms of everyday life.
  
• Ken Loach: The British director has been heavily influenced by neorealism, and has often been compared to the neorealist filmmakers. He has praised the movement for its focus on social and political issues, and for its ability to create powerful stories out of everyday life.
  
• Werner Herzog: The German director has also expressed his admiration for neorealism, calling it a "miracle" in the history of cinema. He has praised the movement for its ability to capture the "spirit of the time" and for its focus on the human condition.
  

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