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BSA106- Italian Neo-realism

During Benito Mussolini's reign, Italian films weren't allowed to portray Italy in a negative light. As a result, the films that were shown were typically "fluff" films. The films were conventional, unchallenged and very American, showing none of the realism of living in Italy. They were escapist films that avoided the truth.
The reality of this time in Italy was actually a time of hardship. There was high rates of poverty and unemployment. Neo realist films showed these struggles by filming on location, and focusing on the poor and working class people. They used natural lighting and tended to just unprofessional actors.
Image result for OssessioneThey were a documentary style of photography and avoided complex editing techniques.

Luchino Visconti's Ossessione (1943) was made when the fascist regime was still in power but showed Italy in a less flattering light. It cannot be classed as a fully neorealist film but some qualities are there.

Image result for roberto rosselliniRoberto Rossellini  is another neorealism director known for his war trilogy.
Rome Open City (1945) a film about the nazi occupation of rome. Internationally well received and received awards.
Paisan (1946) is the second of the trilogy that is set during WW2 about the liberation of italy.
Germany Year Zero (1948) follows a young boy post WW2.

Image result for the bicycle thief
Vittorio de Sica directed The bicycle thief (1948). This film is a masterpeice of Neorealism. It is a masterpiece of neorealism. It uses location shooting and non professional lead actors. The plot also contains themes of unemployment.

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