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Italian Cinema, Neo Realism, Review

De Sica’s “The Bicycle Thief” (“Ladri di Biciclette”) – 1948

ladri di biciclette

Director: Vittorio De Sica

Writers: Cesare Zavattini (story), Luigi Bartolini (novel)

I’m purposefully taking off the Bechdel Test question here because it fails but this film is too important to have less than a perfect score. The fact that it fails the Bechdel Test is actually adds to the story.
1) Strength of the writing: 5
2) Strength of the directing: 5
3) Strength of the acting: 5
4) Strength of the cinematography: 5
5) Strength of the editing: 5
6) Strength of the sound design: 5
7) Strength of the production design: 5
8) Did I enjoy it? 5
9) Would I recommend it? 5
Total scores out of 45/45

Film, Italian Cinema, Review, Spaghetti Western, Uncategorized, western

Segio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966)

the good the bad the ugly

Director: Sergio Leone

Writers: Luciano Vincenzoni (story), Sergio Leone (story)

Score by Ennio Morricone

Cinematography by: Tonino Delli Colli

Gorgeous cinematography with it’s sweeping widescreen, long shots and close ups.

1) Strength of the writing: 5

2) Strength of the directing: 5

3) Strength of the acting: 5

4) Strength of the cinematography: 5

5) Strength of the editing: 5

6) Strength of the sound design: 5

7) Strength of the production design: 5

8) Did I enjoy it? 5

9) Would I recommend it? 5

Score: 45/45

Film, Italian Cinema, Review

Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful” (1997)

Life-is-Beautiful.jpg

Director: Roberto Benigni

Writers: Vincenzo Cerami (story and screenplay by), Roberto Benigni

Stars: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini

One of the most beautiful films about family and tragedy.

1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 5
3) Strength of the directing: 5
4) Strength of the acting: 5
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 5
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Score: 50/50

Italian Cinema, Review

Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” (1960)

DolceVita.jpg

Director: Federico Fellini

Writers: Federico Fellini (story), Ennio Flaiano (story)

With its iconic Trevi Fountain scene and the beautiful usage of sound.

1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5

2) Strength of the writing: 5

3) Strength of the directing: 5

4) Strength of the acting: 5

5) Strength of the cinematography: 5

6) Strength of the editing: 5

7) Strength of the sound design: 5

8) Strength of the production design: 5

9) Did I enjoy it? 5

10) Would I recommend it? 5

Score: 50/50

Italian Cinema, Review, Uncategorized

Tornatore’s “Cinema Paradiso” (1988)

cinema paradiso.jpg

Director: Giuseppe Tornatore

Writers: Giuseppe Tornatore (story), Giuseppe Tornatore (screenplay)

Not just a beautiful movie, but an arguably important piece for the revival of Italy’s film industry.

1) Strength of the writing: 5

2) Strength of the directing: 5

3) Strength of the acting: 5

4) Strength of the cinematography: 5

5) Strength of the editing: 5

6) Strength of the sound design: 5

7) Strength of the production design: 5

8) Did I enjoy it? 5

9) Would I recommend it? 5

Score 45/45