Italian Neorealism: Rebuilding the Cinematic City is a valuable
introduction to one of the most influential of film movements. Exploring
the roots and causes of neorealism, particularly the effects of the
Second World War, as well as its politics and style, Mark Shiel examines
the portrayal of the city and the legacy left by filmmakers such as
Rossellini, De Sica, and Visconti. Films studied include Rome, Open
City (1945), Paisan (1946), The Bicycle Thief (1948), and Umberto
D. (1952).