A Bicycle Thief Screening Report

The Bicycle Thief (1948)

Jennifer Coldea

HUM 161: Global Cinema

Professor Smith

24 March 2015

Since I extremely enjoyed watching 1958s Big Deal on Madonna Street made by Italian director Monicelli in class, I decided that I would go for another Italian film to watch for our midterm, and I was not disappointed! Although the majority of the plot in The Bicycle Thief is filmed throughout only one day, it did not leave me feeling dry or easily distracted as I had in a few scenes in Big Deal on Madonna Street and Brief Encounter. Vittorio De Sica’s movie was simple yet captivating and dramatic with some occasional Italian humor spread across lightening up the mood.

Despite the fact that I am no film expert, when doing my research about the film I became certain that this film has been considered an official masterpiece since it has been released. It has won several prizes at various film festivals including academy awards and golden globes. Maybe it is because I have not watched enough movies in my lifetime with the proper knowledge about film making, but I would not have guessed that this film would be considered a masterpiece knowing just how simple it is.

Although this is my second favorite film of the ones we have watched in class or related to class, it made me want to ask myself, “What was so special about it?” It was simple. And then I realized that may be part of the reason for its greatness- its simplicity! The story of The Bicycle Thief is easily told. It is a black and white film straight to the point and clear in showing a man’s frustration and madness in trying to provide for his family, which results in his desperation in finding his bike. “Every incident, every detail of the frantic and futile hunt is a taut and exciting adventure, in which hope is balanced against despair.” It does not contain too much information to have to take in whereas it was in Holy Motors- chaotic and confusing. The Bicycle Thief is simple, direct, and true. After so...