Monday 13 November 2017

HOMAGE TO PIONEER OF 'ITALIAN NEO-REALISM' FILMMAKER VITTORIO DE SICA!


- Manoj Kulkarni

Pioneer of Italian Neo-realism Vittorio De Sica & his film 'Bicycle Thieves' (1948).

Today is 43rd Death Anniversary of Italian Actor-Director..and Leading Pioneer of Neo-Realistic Cinema...Vittorio De Sica!

Vittorio De Sica began his career as theatre actor in 1920. Then he founded his own company in 1933. While doing plays he worked with prominent directors like Luchino Visconti..leading pioneer of Italian Neo-realism!
De Sica's 'Shoeshine' (1946).

He entered cinema in 1940 and co-directed film 'Rose Scarlatte'. After this during 5 years he independently directed films like 'The Children Are Watching Us' (1944) and 'The Gate of Heaven' (1945).

Writer Cesare Zavattini & Filmmaker Vittorio De Sica!




Then he met writer Cesare Zavattini. And that was a important turning point in his film career. Zavattini wrote and De Sica directed great Neo-realistic films..In which first was Sciuscia' ('Shoeshine'/1946) focus on the life of slum children through the struggle of two shoeshine boys! Then came 'Ladri di biciclette' (1948) famous 'Bicycle Thieves'..which follows the story of a poor man & his little son..in search of his bicycle which stolen & he need for job!
De Sica's Zavattini wrote 'Umberto D' (1952).

Both the films received honorary 'Oscar' awards!..And influenced to the filmmakers in the world, like in our India..Bimal Roy's 'Do Bigha Zameen' (1953) was inspired from 'Bicycle Thieves'..And Raj Kapoor's Hindi film 'Boot Polish' (1954) was based on 'Shoeshine'!
Sophia Loren acted De Sica's 'Two Women' (1961).




After this De Sica made notable films like 'Umberto D' (1952) on unique story by Zavattini and 'Two Women' (1961) in which famous Italian actress Sophia Loren acted superbly & won 'Best Actress 'Oscar' award!

De Sica's 'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' (1970).


De Sica's films 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' (1963) & 'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' (1970) won Best Foreign language Films 'Oscar' Awards!

His last film was 'The Voyage' (1974) which was based on the novel by Luigi Pirandello!

I always admire Neo-realistic Cinema!
Homage to this genius of it!!


- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]

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