Bicycle Thieves at the Plymouth Arts Centre, plus pre-screening talk

By D&CFilm, on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Anna Navas, the Plymouth Arts Centre film programmer, will present the screening of the legendary Bicycle Thieves at the arts centre cinema on Tuesday, February 24. The film’s no a laugh riot, with the feeling that no matter how hard you try there is no escape from the daily grind of existence (some things never change). But as a fine example of the neo-realist cinema (when the general public get involved in the shoot), it’s a film to which modern day media will always be indebted. (And remember this was shot in post-war ravaged poverty-struck Rome – no handy cams or media savviness here.)

This is what Anna has to say.

Vittorio de Sica’s extraordinary drama of desperation and survival in Italy’s post-war depression earned a special Academy Award for its affecting power. The impoverished Antonio’s new job delivering cinema posters is threatened when a street thief steals his bicycle. This is one of the first and most influential neo-realist films to emerge from Italy, paving the way for Visconti, Fellini, Antonioni and others. Having been unavailable on the big screen for some time, it is back in a beautifully restored print. Unmissable.

“This is one of the greatest cinematic experiences ever” Empire.

• The Bicycle Thieves screening start on Friday, February 20 at 6pm. Anna Navas will present the film on Tuesday, February 24 at 8.30pm. For the full listings check out the D+CFilm social network or the Plymouth Arts Centre site
Posted by Cptn