Italian Neorealism and Independent Cinema

Here are a few common elements of American Independent Cinema:

1. Do not have a clear beginning, middle and end. Ending can be ambiguous.

2. Characters tend to be more complex or ambiguous.

3. Downplays narrative drama in favor of undramatic present.

4. Relies more heavily on dialogue than Hollywood films.

5. Often uses multi-strand narratives.

6. Not afraid to make the audience aware they are watching a film.

7. Visions of society not usually found in the mainstream.

Do Brick or Do the Right Thing have any of these elements?

Read this information about Italian Neorealism. Write down three facts about the movement.

After watching The Bicycle Thief and reading about Italian Neorealism, how do you think Italian Neorealism inspired American Independent cinema?