In The Bicycle Thieves, Vittorio De Sica captured the essence of poverty and despair that permeated post-World War

II Italy. Despite the simplicity of the plots premise (that of Antonio Ricci and his bike), De Sica depicts the emotional turmoil of unemployment when the poverty-stricken Antonio loses the bike necessary for his new job. Through the contrast of Antonios initial optimism with his subsequent aggression and dishonesty, De Sica illustrates a mans descent into despair in his attempt to escape poverty. De Sicas depiction of Antonios ecstasy after redeeming his bike sets him up for failure. The film showed him entering the employment office with his newly-redeemed bicycle over his shoulders. His action drew the attention an onlookers, who asked, Whats the matter with you? Are you afraid? Antonios overprotective nature over his bike reflects his hope that the bicycle would save him from poverty. The scene where Antonio biked through the streets with Bruno further relayed his optimism. The composition of the shot (Antonio bicycling against the backdrop of other bicyclists), the radiance of Antonios face, and the upbeat background music reinforced the audiences expectation of Antonios success. De Sicas portrayal of Antonio at the height of his optimism thus enabled the audience to greater sympathize with the loss of his bike. After Antonio lost his bike, De Sica illuminated Antonios transition into a state of aggression. Antonios interactions with others grew more abrasive throughout the film. Antonio brusquely confronted an old man on the mere suspicion that the man knew the bicycle thief; following Brunos complaint about the futility of their search, Antonio also slapped Bruno without hesitation. Antonios aggression peaked in the ensuing clash with the suspected thief, drawing the disapproval of the neighbors. Antonios decline into aggression contrasted with his initial depiction as a gentle person. In characterizing Antonios aggression, De Sica not only illustrates to the audience how despair can alter a mans character, but also foreshadows Antonios ultimate demise.

De Sica portrays Antonios abandonment of honesty and responsibility, thus establishing his demise. As Antonio, at the pinnacle of his desperation, stared longingly at a lone bike, the film repeatedly cut from shots of the lone bike to Antonios pacing feet. The cinematography heightened the suspense, emphasizing the gravity of Antonios decision-making. Antonios attempted theft and subsequent capture reinforced the image of him as a fallen protagonist. The final dialogue in the film, some fine example for your son, further shifted the attention to Bruno, revealing the true depth of Antonios demise. Through the loss of Brunos innocence, De Sica brought Antonio to an ultimate low, leaving the audience to lament, pity, and scorn Antonios dishonesty and irresponsibility. Depicting the transition from hope to despair, from gentility to aggression, and from virtue to dishonesty, De Sicas characterization of Antonio Ricci enabled the audience to witness on screen the driving force of poverty. In doing so, De Sica masterfully crafted for the audience the emotional turmoil and depression that permeated Italy during that era.