Bicycle Theif

A detailed Summary of Bicycle Theif

Another fine example of neorealism is The Bicycle Thief (1948), written by Cesare Zavattini and directed by Vittorio De Sica. The narrative of this film unfolds in post-W.W.II times. The film is a portrait of the post-war Italian disadvantaged class (the majority) in their search for self-respect. It is a time of struggle for the Italian people, amplified by a shortage of employment and lack of social services. In the first scenes of the film, these conditions are evident as Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorami) meets his spouse Maria (Lianalla Carell) on his way back home. We see the "men" arguing at the employment "office" as the "women" argue about the shortage of water. Although the director's pessimism drives the plot, it is ultimately the clash with human optimism which gives this film affective power.

Antonio's new job can bring his family new hopes and happiness, which are drastically destroyed when his bicycle is stolen. The banal circumstances are brought to life when it is realized that a modest bicycle is such an important element in determining the future survival of the Ricci family. Human optimism is there, beginning with Antonio's

Self-respect and all the related values such as pride, dignity, modesty and honor are very important in Italian society. Witness Bruno, whom at a young age, works full time at a gas station. Bruno's contributions to the Ricci family make him a "man" and strip him of his innocence. Being able to work is an optimistic endeavor which Bruno wholeheartedly engages in.

In the end, Love is human optimism.

The tragedy is not Antonio's previous two years of unemployment- it is that he has no future in his new job, due to the theft of his bike. Antonio must face this tragedy with no public support other than his friend Baiocco. Baiocco's willingness to help with his friends and his optimistic response to Maria constitute another case of human optimism. This form of optimism pervades the film with Antonio's perseverance and determination to find the stolen bike. These events stimulate the viewer's mind to think of solutions related to Antonio's situation, perhaps to try to solve problems of post-war Italy such as crime, famine, health issues, living condition, etc.; ills that have affected society then and now around the globe.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Antonio Bruno, Lianalla Carell, Baiocco Baiocco's, Witness Bruno, De Sica, Enzo Staicca, human optimism, , Bicycle Thief, Lamberto Maggiorami, Cesare Zavattini, antonio bruno, italian society, ricci family, job bring,

Approximate Word count = 785
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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