Chosen by special guest Iliana Carter (who unfortunately had to postpone her appearance), Bicycle Thieves (1948) is the Italian neo-realist masterpiece directed by Vittorio De Sica starring Lamberto Maggiorani. Bicycle Thieves is the story of Antonio Ricci and his son Bruno, and their attempts to find Antonio's stolen bicycle; a bicycle he needs for a job that will allow him to provide a better life for his family. In his desperation, Antonio will search far and wide, both neglecting and abusing others, including his son Bruno, in the process. Jeanne explains how the various Italian dialects displayed into the film inform us of the relationship between the characters, particularly in terms of class. Matt suggests that it is not enough to lament the injustice of the world, but to record who has wronged you, and make plans to avenge one's self. David points out how the film's tale both caused, and foreshadowed, the real-life struggles of Lamberto Maggiorani, the machinist found by De Sica to play Antonio Ricci, who fell into economic hardship following the release of Bicycle Thieves. Just as sad as the poor Antonio hanging posters of the glamorous, but exploited, Rita Hayworth, onto the walls of Rome, Maggiorani's face may have been plastered on walls in anticipation of the film's release, making him, too, a symbol of fame and fortune, fame and fortune he did not truly possess. Join us next week as we are joined by Iliana Carter to discuss a film of her choosing.
The Criterion Collective
Join poets and film lovers, Jeanne Marie Spicuzza (Night Rain), Matt Sedillo (Mowing Leaves of Grass), and David A. Romero (My Name Is Romero) as they meet each week, to form The Criterion Collective, discussing some of their favorite classic/foreign/art films. These are the films they connect with most deeply, the films that move and inspire them. They hope to inspire a new generation of cinephiles and cinéastes!
The Criterion Collective is a special production by the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona, CA. https://www.dacenter.org/
Intro and outro music, "Exploring the Inferno," by Myuu. https://www.thedarkpiano.com/