The Bicycle Thief(1948, Vittorio De Sica) Implications: (Non-Spoiler 2 sentence plot synopsis:)
The Bicycle Thief, set in impoverished post WWII Rome, tells the story of Antonio Ricci who hocks the family's bedsheets in order to purchase a bike for a job hanging posters -- only to have it stolen the first day on that job. The rest of the film follows Antonio and his young son as they desperately try find it.
Health Benefits (what I liked):
The film probably is the most well known and revered of the movement of neorealist films from Italy - a shift that refers to a number of films released during the era highlighting the disparity of wealth and the struggles of the working class life. In all my readings of World War and it's aftermath, it occurs to me watching this film how little I know about the role of Italy. In the first few scenes of the Bicycle Thief, we are thrown right into this universe - immediately giving perspective to my weak-Ipod-battery pet peeve! There is a matter-of-factness in the way that the wife strips the linens from the bed that speaks volumes. You are genuinely on pins and needles as the our protagonist starts his first day of work.
But the main story here is about the relationship between the father and the son. Those who have read my reviews know that I pay particular attention to how father figures are portrayed in film. Here it is kind of amazing. As you watch a film and you start to pigeon hole. Here I kept having to subdivide my pigeonholes as I tried to feel out how this guy was as a father. Those who have seen the ending know just how poignant this exercise will prove to be.
Speaking of the ending - With a film like this, with a title what it is, you have to figure going in that things are going resolve themselves in one of two ways. I loved how things were handled - it was really surprising, and a lesson in my film education. To say more would be to give away too much.
Side Effects: (what I didn't like)
I like thinking about the meetings at a movie studio board room where they pour over screenplay. Imagine the meeting to decide whether or not greenlight
Cast Away "hmm...man makes friend with volleyball". The idea sounds so preposterous that you almost have to see it just to see if they could pull it off!
So here we have this premise - man loses bike, man looks for bike. Is it enough to keep my interest? Well
mostly...for the reasons outlined elsewhere in this review, but I'd be lying if I wasn't tempted to FF though sections, especially in the middle third.
Active Ingredients(favorite scenes and characters)
Before seeing this film, a had preconceived notion of who the protagonist would look like. Having seen the cover of
Life is Beautiful so many times, I was envisioning the
buffoonish but world-wise character played by Roberto Benigni. What got here was not a beaten down victim, but a pretty strong male character - not just doing right by his family, but doing it so matter-of-factly. I was surprised to read later that Lamberto Maggiorani, like most of the cast, was not a professional actor when chosen to play this role. You wouldn't have known it from his great performance here. He went on to perform in 15 other films.
Two scenes I'd like to discuss: the first one there is an accident by a bridge. I don't want to give anything away, but it was at this point the film went into a direction I didn't see coming. I was thinking just how great it was that I knew nothing about the film going in.
But my favorite scene is of the father and son having lunch in the restaurant. It conjures up a lot of thoughts in my head over quality of life - and how one should spend their time, money and energy on this brief time on Earth.
This medicine is like: (who should watch this?)
a) Castor Oil: To be shown only to Film students... as punishment
b) St John's Wart: Works really well for some people, but I still have this rash...c) Fish Oil: Good for you but it's a bit of a pill to swallow!
d) One-A-Day Vitamins: Recommended for anyone
e) Flinstone Chewables: Good for you and easily ingestible (and fruity flavors!)
Essential viewing for film buffs, but probably not the type of film to show when you're trying to get a chipmunk to eat out of your hand, so-to-speak.How soon before your next dosage?(Chances I'll watch it again)
a) Measles Inoculation: Once should do itb) Advil: may need a dose again from time to time
c) Viagara: Keep handy, because you never know when the mood will strike you!
d) Crack: You need it again as soon as the effects wear off...
...but may need one more viewing eventuallySo...Do I feel better now?(other thoughts)
Pretty much. I'll chalk this up as a "glad I saw it" more than a "I really liked it". I'm trying to do a little reading along with the viewing of these films for a little film-school lesson. Reading up a bit on the history makes this a more rewarding all-around experience. And to this end I do this this is essential viewing for the film lover. I don't want this to sound like it's a backhanded compliment.
Conclusion:Liked it a lot! Well acted and surprising in many ways. Two all-time great scenes. "Essential viewing" but in an history homework kind of way
Grade: BFilm Rankings so far
1. Fitzcaraldo
2. Reds
3. Goodbye Mr Chips
4. The Bicyle Thief
5. The Passion of Joan of Arc
Remaining films:
- Chinatown
- Seven Samarai
- 12 Angry Men
- Paris Texas
- The 400 Blows
- Days of Heaven
- Double Indemnity
- The Third Man
- Do The Right Thing
- Blue Velvet
- Three Colors: Blue
- The Sting
- The Apartment
- Sunrise: Song of Two Humans
- North by Northwest