The Bicycle Thief

Starring: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell
Directed by: Vittorio De Sica
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Crime, Drama
1948

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A father (Lamberto Maggiorani) is devastated when his bicycle is stolen, threatening his job delivering movie posters. With only one day to find his bicycle before losing his job, he starts a desperate search to find the thief.

Review:

Tim: The Bicycle Thief (or Bicycle Thieves, but I prefer the former) is regarded as many as one of the greatest movies of all time. I agree that this is one of the most powerful Italian neorealist films, and indeed an emotional look at one ordinary man's ordinary struggles. However, while I think this is solid, very good movie, I don't have it in the upper echelons of the movie world. I respect and admire much about this movie, but I don't exactly love it.

I think it is amazing that director Vittorio De Sica, using regular non-actors, was able to create such a beautiful and moving story. His talent is apparent here in every frame. The city of Rome is as much a character as any human, and it shines throughout the movie- oftentimes gritty, but always impressive. I really enjoyed watching these characters interacting and moving throughout the backdrop of Rome.

Now, I love movies- a lot. You can tell. However, I am not a film expert. I've never studied film or film history. So, I am in no way an authority or even marginally intelligent about all the different aspects of film. However, I am fairly intrigued by Italian neorealism. I think it is amazing to see how these films reflected the changed psyche and outlook of Italians after World War II. One of my favorite aspects of movies are how they reflect the time in which they were created. These neorealist films reflect a great deal about the mindset of Italy in the 1940s, and are remarkably different than the films produced during the same era in the United States. This movie is a terrific example of that type of film- using nonprofessional actors, focused on the everyday trial and tribulations of the working poor. While I am glad every movie isn't created in this image, I respect this style of filmmaking, and I am interested in it.

Vittorio De Sica gets the most out of his cast. Lamberto Maggiorani is terrific in the lead role. Besides a rare moment here or there, I never would have guessed that this was the first time he had acted in a feature film. His greatest quality is his realism- you never feel like you are watching an actor, but an ordinary man who just happens to be on screen. He was amazing. I also loved Enzo Staiola as his young son. Staiola gives such an emotional, powerful performance. I loved the chemistry between Maggiorani and Staiola. I believed they were father and son, and they exist as the emotional heart of this movie.

While I certainly admire a great deal about this movie, I also think it is somewhat flawed. I hate to even mention this, but I will admit that I thought this film was a bit predictable. The title itself gives you enough ammunition to fairly accurately predict all of the main events of the film. I felt like while watching, I was just waiting for the events to occur as I knew they would, instead of becoming emmersed in the story. I also believe that there were points of this movie that dragged somewhat. Yes, there are some incredibly powerful scenes, but many also felt somewhat redundant and slow. I know that real life is often redundant and slow, but it did make an impact on this film.

I wholly admit that there may be some reason why I didn't love this movie as much as the majority of the film-watching world. Oftentimes, people just don't "get" a film. I wouldn't go so far as to say I don't get this movie. I tried hard to understand this movie and its obvious cultural importance. This is truly a landmark film and its influence is undeniable. While I did enjoy this movie and I was awed by much of the film. However, I didn't love it. I admit that I might be crazy here, but I think this movie is just a tad bit overrated.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Rome, Open City; The Earth Trembles, Umberto D.