FILM3005 · Fine Arts

Italian Cinema: Passion, Politics, and Pain

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

Social issues dominate Italian cinema from the post-WWII era to the present, as filmmakers interpret individual historical moments, literary works, and cultural events, bringing a collective experience of the human condition onto the screen. Visconti establishes the foundation that Fellini, Bertolucci, Rosi, and other directors build upon, creating visual images that evolve from Giovanni Verga, and his written portraits ofverismo. Exploring what is true and real, questioning the complexity of the human condition in moments of comedy and tragedy, these films depict socio-economic, philosophical, and political issues, always revolving around the vulnerability and struggles of relationships. Films include:La Terra Trema, Ossessione, Open City, Bicycle Thieves, La Strada, Il Conformista, Tree of Wooden Clogs, Bread and Chocolate, Life is Beautiful, Tre Fratelli, Cinema Paradiso, Bread and Tulips, Gomorrah.