Bicycle Thieves

About Bicycle Thieves

Bicycle Thieves is a thought-provoking movie that was released in 1948. Directed by Vittorio De Sica, it's based on a novel by Luigi Bartolini, and the screenplay was done by Oreste Biancoli, Adolfo Franci, Gerardo Guerrieri, Cesare Zavattini, Suso Cecchi d'Amico and Vittorio De Sica. The movie tells the story of Antonio, a poor man who gets his bicycle stolen in post-war Rome. The bicycle was his only means of transport to work, and its loss leaves him helpless. With his son, Bruno, Antonio embarks on an odyssey to recover the bike, encountering a range of experiences along the way.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Umberto Scarpelli and Vittorio De Sica, under the banner of Produzioni De Sica. This Italian neorealist movie was shot entirely on location in the streets of Rome, employing several non-professional actors in significant roles. This "ground up" approach to filmmaking was a hallmark of the neorealist genre.

Actors

• Lamberto Maggiorani as Antonio Ricci: An unemployed worker who finally lands a job that requires a bicycle. When the bike is stolen, Antonio gives a raw and moving performance of a desperate man in dire circumstances.
• Enzo Staiola as Bruno Ricci: Antonio's young son, who accompanies his father in the hopeless search. Staiola's performance won plaudits for his portrayal of innocent distress and growing disillusionment.
• Lianella Carell as Maria Ricci: Antonio's wife, who pawns the household bed linen to redeem the bicycle from the pawnshop. Carell's performance is poignant and touching, capturing the despair of a wife and mother in such trying times.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot entirely on location and with a largely non-professional cast.
• The film was often cited by famous director Satyajit Ray as a major influence on his work.
• It took 6 weeks to shoot the film.

Awards

Bicycle Thieves has won several awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 1950. It was also nominated for Best Screenplay at the same awards. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1949, and is often listed as one of the greatest films in the history of cinema.

Quotes

• "There's a cure for everything except death."
• "I've been cursed since the day I was born."
• "To eat like them, you'd have to earn a million lira a month."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Tema di Bruno" – Alessandro Cicognini
• "Scatto Continuo" – Alessandro Cicognini
• "Tema di Antonio" – Alessandro Cicognini