1. Italian Neorealism 1944-1952

2. The movement Italian Neorealism took place from 1944 through 1952. It started after the end of World War II. Europe was in ruins with many homeless and the industrial infrastructure destroyed. Many directors were finding inspiration from the surrounding state of poverty the country was going through. Films during this movement were set in a culture of poverty in where the low working class people cope with the harsh times. The films during this movement gave a true insight on how life really was for people experiencing poverty and depression.

3. Style Budgets were very low due to the status of the surrounding economy during that time. The films were shot on location in authentic settings with no professional actors. The problems Italy was facing at the time were used as the backdrop for many films. The stories and plots presented on screen were about realistic, everyday things that regular people do.

4. Italian Neorealism vs Classic Hollywood Cinema

5. The Bicycle Thief One of the most important films during the movement. Directed by Vittorio De Sica.

6. Notable films and directors Rome, Open City (1945, Roberto Rosselini) Germany, Year Zero (1948, Roberto Rosselini) Shoeshiner (1946, Vittorio De Sica) La Terra Trema (1948, Luchino Visconti) Umberto D (1952, Vittorio De Sica)

7. Fine The movement did not last very long. It ended in 1952 when the economy was recovering. Martin Scorsese cites the Italian neorealism movement as having a profound influence on him.