Post War European Cinema Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key artists, films, and historical context of post-war European cinema as discussed in the lecture.

Jean Cocteau

A multitalented French artist born in 1889 in Maisons-Laffitte who created bold surrealist work and remained in Paris during the Nazi Occupation to continue his artistic pursuits.

Jean Marais

The lover of Jean Cocteau who stayed with him in Paris during the war as Cocteau worked on poems, plays, paintings, and sculptures.

Occupied Productions

The French film industry from 1940 to 1944 that produced many good films and enduring classics despite the harsh conditions of defeat.

Children of Paradise (1945)

One of the most beloved of all French films, directed by Carne, which was produced under war conditions starting in 1943.

Vichy Government films

Films produced under the Vichy Government that were characterized as purely escapism.

Post-war Lira Value

By the end of 1920, the Italian lira was worth only $\frac{1}{6}$ of its 1913 value due to wartime inflation.

Italian republican movement

A movement revived by frustrations over Italy's destroyed economy, divided society, and the monarchy's endorsement of the Fascist regime.

Neorealism

The first major postwar cinematic movement, originating in Italy, which focused on social realism, the working class, and the struggles of ordinary people.

Characteristics of Neorealist Cinema

The use of realistic portrayal, non-professional actors, location shooting, available light, and a lack of happy endings.

Roberto Rossellini

An Italian director born in 1906 whose film 'Rome, Open City' (1945) served as a clarion call to international cinema.

Rome, Open City (1945)

A significant neorealist film by Roberto Rossellini that incorporated documentary footage shot during the war.

Vittorio De Sica

A leading neorealist director born in 1901 in Sora, Lazio, known for films such as 'Bicycle Thieves' and 'Shoeshine'.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

A film deemed the greatest of all time that earned an Academy Award for best foreign film, focusing on poverty and survival in post-war Italy.

Antonio

The protagonist of 'Bicycle Thieves', played by Lamberto Maggiorani, who supports his family by putting up posters in Rome until his bicycle is stolen.

Lamberto Maggiorani

The actor who portrayed the character Antonio in the 1948 film 'Bicycle Thieves'.