1948 Review Blog
The Bicycle Thief
Grade: C+ 06/02/2009
THE BICYCLE THIEF is cheered as a Masterpiece by many, many critics. They talk about the socialist undertones, the exhibition of a stratafied Italian society, and one of the best Father/Son relationships EVER in films. Well...watching Antonio search Rome for his ticket to gainful employment is interesting, the relationship between Antonio and Bruno is sweet and compelling, and the desperation is palpable. However, I didn't see the film as much more than a man looking for his stolen bike. It is like a serious, Italian version of PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE. Man loses bike. Man wants bike. Willing to go to great lengths to get bike. End scene.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: C+ 06/02/2009
THE BICYCLE THIEF is cheered as a Masterpiece by many, many critics. They talk about the socialist undertones, the exhibition of a stratafied Italian society, and one of the best Father/Son relationships EVER in films. Well...watching Antonio search Rome for his ticket to gainful employment is interesting, the relationship between Antonio and Bruno is sweet and compelling, and the desperation is palpable. However, I didn't see the film as much more than a man looking for his stolen bike. It is like a serious, Italian version of PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE. Man loses bike. Man wants bike. Willing to go to great lengths to get bike. End scene.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Grade: A- 02/24/2009
I was thoroughly surprised by this movie. I thought this movie was going to be an adventure about prospecting for gold...not the archetypal expression of greed, mistrust, and an almost Shakespearean tragedy. Bogart is quite a bastard in this film, and I loved Walter Houston as the grizzled, old prospector. This isn't an adventure movie at all...it is a deep, psychological exercise showing how money can corrupt and pervert friendships. Very impressive and classic.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: A- 02/24/2009
I was thoroughly surprised by this movie. I thought this movie was going to be an adventure about prospecting for gold...not the archetypal expression of greed, mistrust, and an almost Shakespearean tragedy. Bogart is quite a bastard in this film, and I loved Walter Houston as the grizzled, old prospector. This isn't an adventure movie at all...it is a deep, psychological exercise showing how money can corrupt and pervert friendships. Very impressive and classic.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die