Bicycle Thieves

By: Adam Bekhet

The film Bicycle Thieves is a classic representation of Italian Neorealism. The post-World War Two environment was one that was gloomy due to the fact that the country was still reeling from the effects of being on the losing side of the war. Italian Neorealism was a style that displayed the economic struggle, the social injustice, and the desperation of the Italian people.

Antonio is the main character of Bicycle Thieves. Like any other Italian man, he is looking for a job. An employment officer offers him a job posting posters around the city, the role even paid well. This was great news for Antonio until he realizes he needs a bike to accept the position. Lying through his teeth, Antonio says he has a bike as he is desperate for the position. His family sells their bed sheets in order to obtain Antonio’s bike. This initial display of poverty and sacrifice gives real insight to the state that Italy was in after the war.

After working and having a young man steal his bike, Antonio reports this crime to the police. They basically let him know that there is nothing they can do, leaving him distraught. After chasing leads around town all day, Antonio find his thief, chases him down, and pulls him into the street. After intensely trying to force an answer out of the young thief, the thief begins to have a seizure. After failing to retrieve his bike Antonio hits his lowest point. He sees an unattended bike and steals it. After being chased down by a mob the owner decides not to press charges. This film shows a struggle so hard that it could break a working man.