A Beginners Guide To THE BICYCLE THIEVES
It’s a simple story, but it’s the simplicity of it that make The Bicycle Thieves such a gripping drama and one of the best films to come out of Italy.
Currently leaving theatres is A Better Life, the latest movie from director Chris Weitz, the man who brought us American Pie and Twilight: New Moon and tells the tale of a father who struggles to do whats right by his son and search for a stolen truck, is a loose remake of the classic 1948 Italian movie The Bicycle Thieves. The Bicycle Thieves (or The Bicycle Thief as it is known in the US), for those who are not too familiar, was directed by Victorio De Sica and is often regarded as one the best foreign language films ever made and perhaps the greatest film to come out of the Italian Neo-Realism movement. The film follows Antonio Ricci (played by Lamberto Maggiorani) who finally gets a job delivering cinema posters only to have it threatened when a thief steals his bicycle. Together with his young son Bruno (Enzo Staiola), they set off through the streets of Rome in search of the bike. Its a simple story, but its the simplicity of it that make The Bicycle Thieves such a gripping drama. Set against the back drop of a post war, poverty stricken Italy, the film is as important as any other which present a struggle for survival. If he doesnt retrieve his bike he loses his job and wont be able to support his family. Unfortunately one of the reasons behind the films popularity is that even now- 63 years later- its a still a situation that resonates in todays society. 
Italian Neo-Realism is a film style characterized by stories and themes set amongst the poor and working class, filmed on location, frequently using non-professional actors. This rings true for Bicycle Thieves. De Sica believed that the one role everyone could play perfectly is that of themselves. Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola were both non-professional actors who were given the freedom to act as themselves and react to the situations as they honestly would. This led to an exceptional performance from both. You can see their frustrations, guilt and honesty. Its the raw performances that give it such weight and suck you in. Also, the fact that the story was so simple and relatable led to truthful reactions from the actors, this approach never would have worked in anything too far out of their own lives or experiences. 
In the wake of his bike being stolen, Antonio is pushed to the brink of despiar in a desperate, frantic hurry to get it back. He must deal with suspects who commit crimes in order to survive and are trying to get the money to raise their families. For a black and white film, the moral tones and themes are very grey. While cinema and literature will always deal with these ideas, the Bicycle Thieves is exceptional in its honesty. There is one shot towards the end of the film, where Antonio in a moment of sheer desperation commits a shocking act, one that is reflected in his young sons Brunos face. This reaction shot is pitch perfect. Everything aspect of this film, from the (non) actors to the on location use of the streets of Rome, film rings true. Hence the term Neo-Realism. Another realistic point that De Sica makes is the obsession that consumes Antonio in the search for his bike. Antonios vision becomes so singular that he fails to notice that his son and family are far more important possessions for him in his life. Sure, he needs the bike to work in order to support them but at the end of the day regardless of whether or not he gets I back his family will still love him right? De Sica was clever in that he never pays much heed to this, mainly because he knew how cheesy it would be. In real life if you job was taken from you, your first reaction would hardly be to let it go and take solace in the arms of your family hoping they would understand. You would be angry, confused and desperate to get it back. De Sica plays this card truthfully and the film follows almost in real time. Having Bruno there gets in Antonios way for the most part. Its an interesting take on the situation. 
Highly regarded among critics and fans of European Cinema, it is unfortunately dismissed by younger generations. Why? I dont know. Perhaps because its black and white? Old? Subtitled? Its a pity. Its genuinely a fantastic film. There is a silly mentality among some that watching a European film is a sign of elitism, thats rubbish. Plus, not every European film is existential or surreal. The Bicycle Thieves Is as brutally honest, gripping, heartbreaking and thrilling as anything being produced today. At a brisk 93 minutes the film zips by. 
If you havent seen it you really should do yourself a favour and check it out. Its easily accessible and anybody, of any age. The interesting conflict that appears in the film is that while Antonio is pushed to anger and rage in the attempt to win back his bike, he has to struggle to be a responsible father to his son and that doesnt come too easy in a society where its everyman for himself. It deserves its acclaim and should always be included as an important film not just in Italian cinema but cinema as a whole. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3jnzXX9mXs 
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