Neorealism and Cinecittà Cultural and artistic difference through film of the 40’s

What do you think of each? Purpose Motivation Artistic style Audience Competition Government

What do you think of? Cinecittà Hollywood •Created by Mussolini –Propoganda –“il cinema è l’arma più forte” •Motivated by profit –Uncertain due to economy •Neorealism •Audience: post-World War II Italians –Emotional state •Created by entrepreneurs in a free market system –Moved West to avoid legal issues with Thomas Edison’s Motion Picture Patents Company •Motivated by profit •Entertainment •Audience: worldwide –Universal and uncomplicated

Roma, città aperta 1945 Neorealist Elements Audience Purpose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5MMIMKhJNs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YeYziOQOvI

Ladri di Biciclette 1948 Neorealist Elements Audience Purpose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myo2vOIGvLQ (3:40)

How would the neorealist films have been different were they created by a Hollywood studio?

Let me tell you a thing. Then we’ll get to ‘Murica

How does it compare to American cinema? What can you tell me about Neorealism in Italy? How does it compare to American cinema? What do we know about American films made about ancient and Imperial Rome?

Quo Vadis 1951

Quo Vadis 1951 What types of characters are utilized? How are these characters created? How is the Roman Empire depicted? Positively or negatively? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkDrflc8v9E

Marcus “Good” Roman Soldier Christian convert Represents Americans

Emperor Nero Shown as cruel and illogical Represents opposing forces to American ideals and lifestyle

The Red Scare Communism associated with atheism Fear of the rising power of the Soviet Union The Cold War Persecution of artists

Anti-Communist propaganda of the ‘50s

Quo Vadis 1951 What types of characters are utilized? How are these characters created? How is the Roman Empire depicted? Positively or negatively? What is the goal of this film? How is it different from neorealist goals? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkDrflc8v9E