The Bicycle Thieves Reading Analysis
In the film “The Bicycle Thieves” by De Sica, many symbols in the film have gathered different meanings among critics. Dan Schneider, a film critic states a certain position on his views towards the film, he differentiates his beliefs from the Marxists theory. Although the film can be left up to interpretation Schneider's position is preferable than the Marxist theory owing to the fact that the use of examples offered to contradict Marxists theory help affect the audience's viewpoint towards the reality of the film and what the true meaning of the symbols in the film are.
From the viewpoint of Marxists it is believed that Antonio is a member of the bourgeoisie (middle class) according to Schneider this …show more content…
Marxists claim that Antonio getting a job is symbolic of governmental favoritism for an elite class. In post-World War Two Rome, Italy, jobs are scarce, and Antonio Ricci finally gets a job offer, as a billboard sign man, posting billboards about town, after waiting for months in front of the downtown labor exchange/unemployment office (Schneider). Antonio had been waiting for months to get a job he wasn’t automatically chosen like marxists claim. When he is asked if he owns a bike at first he says yes and no but when the man offering the job states that if he doesn't have a bike the job will be given away Antonio lies and says he does in order to not lose the job which portrays his necessity to work. Antonio suddenly feels human and dignified again, wearing a uniform, and being able to make money (Schneider). When his bike is stolen he reports it and the bureaucrats at the police department flat out laugh at his claim of lost property, feeling nothing but contempt for his loss, that results in him having to find his stolen bike. This proves he is part of the working class and in need to work which contradicts the Marxists theory and supports
In the film “The Bicycle Thieves” by De Sica, many symbols in the film have gathered different meanings among critics. Dan Schneider, a film critic states a certain position on his views towards the film, he differentiates his beliefs from the Marxists theory. Although the film can be left up to interpretation Schneider's position is preferable than the Marxist theory owing to the fact that the use of examples offered to contradict Marxists theory help affect the audience's viewpoint towards the reality of the film and what the true meaning of the symbols in the film are.
From the viewpoint of Marxists it is believed that Antonio is a member of the bourgeoisie (middle class) according to Schneider this …show more content…
Marxists claim that Antonio getting a job is symbolic of governmental favoritism for an elite class. In post-World War Two Rome, Italy, jobs are scarce, and Antonio Ricci finally gets a job offer, as a billboard sign man, posting billboards about town, after waiting for months in front of the downtown labor exchange/unemployment office (Schneider). Antonio had been waiting for months to get a job he wasn’t automatically chosen like marxists claim. When he is asked if he owns a bike at first he says yes and no but when the man offering the job states that if he doesn't have a bike the job will be given away Antonio lies and says he does in order to not lose the job which portrays his necessity to work. Antonio suddenly feels human and dignified again, wearing a uniform, and being able to make money (Schneider). When his bike is stolen he reports it and the bureaucrats at the police department flat out laugh at his claim of lost property, feeling nothing but contempt for his loss, that results in him having to find his stolen bike. This proves he is part of the working class and in need to work which contradicts the Marxists theory and supports