In this clip from Vittorio DeSica’s Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette, 1948), Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani), accompanied by his friends and his son Bruno (Enzo Staiola), tries to recover his stolen bicycle.
Discussion Questions
After watching this clip from Bicycle Thieves, consider the questions below. Then submit your response.
1. Describe elements of the naturalistic mise-en-scène of postwar Rome in this clip. What are some of the effects of shooting on location in the crowded marketplace?
2. How do editing and the score contribute to the emotional resonance of the objects onscreen?