Italian Neorealist Cinema: an Aesthetic Approach

In Christopher Wagstaff’s Italian Neorealist Cinema review he takes a look at the three neorealist films Open City, Paisa and Bicycle Thieves. He discussed how these films were the part of the core films from this genre and how neorealist cinema has represented the foundational story of Italian cinema. The article discusses how it is the “moral responsibility” of Italian Neo-realism to document the Nazi occupation, the resistance and the reconstruction of the world after the war. I think that’s a great way to put it. These films were made with the intention of the world understanding what happened during this time period and giving the audience a realistic view of what post war really looked like.

Wagstaff also talks about some of the themes that are typical in neo-realist films. This includes the long shots of the scenery, prostitution of woman and even the unevenness in the sound recording. He says that this “works to disorient the viewer”, which I can certainly see to be true. All of these observations have been present in the movies I have seen on my own and with our group. We see the remains of the land and the desperation in the faces of the people whether they are the main characters or just extras walking by. Women stoop to humiliating levels to provide and the sounds of the movie are not easily understood. This all makes me more attentive to understanding each plot.

Wagstaff concludes by saying “it might be appropriate to consider Neorealism as a mode that spans texts, periods and cultures rather than as a set of techniques.” I would have to agree. With over fifty-five neorealist films, the message is much deeper than just the similar styles and a reflection of Italian cinema. It’s about the moral responsibility.