Rating of
4/4
The first neorealist film
cacb3995 - wrote on 04/18/18
The movement known as the Italian Neorealism is widely considered to be the birth of modern cinema. In a time in which the world was in the midst of the cruelest war witnessed by humanity, and Italy found itself under the rule of fascist leaser Benito Mussolini, a group of young filmmakers came to the forefront and defied conventions and the established norm. The first neorealist film to achieve international recognition was Roberto Rossellini’s “Rome, Open City” (1945), bringing praise and prominence to the movement. However, it is believed by film scholars that the very first movie produced under the philosophy and conditions of Neorealism was Luchino Visconti’s “Ossessione” (1943). Whether this film fits the mould of the first modernist movement in film history is actually up for debate, and that’s exactly what we are about to discuss.
“Ossessione” is based on James M. Cain’s novel “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, a work that has been adapted to film plenty of times, but never quite like this. Filmed entirely on location against the backdrop of an impoverished Italy, the movie follows Gino Costa (Massimo Girotti), a homeless drifter who arrives at a restaurant somewhere in the rural areas of the country. There he meets Giovanna (Clara Amai), the wife of the restaurant’s owner, and soon falls in love with her. The two of them start an affair, and as it quickly progresses, they start plotting to get rid of the husband so they can freely live their love.
Full review at: breakingthefourthwallsite.wordpress.com/2018/04/18/ossessione-is-it-neorealism/
