Analyzing the Circumstances under Which Art Was Born from Italian Neorealism - The Suffering of the Times and the Rise of Art

Abstract: This essay is a unified study of the formation and development of Italian Neorealist cinema in Italy from the pre-World War I period to the post-World War II period as the time of study. Taking Italian Neorealism as an example, it explores the relationship between the suffering of the times and the rise of art. In addition to how Italian Neorealism was born against the backdrop of war and social upheaval, it influenced the subsequent French New Wave cinema and global cinema, and in particular generated far-reaching references in Third World cinema. By analyzing the gradual decline of Italian cinema from its peak in the early twentieth century, which relied on its historical and cultural heritage, through the impact of Hollywood globalization and the economic hardships of World War I, all the way to the suffering of Italian society and the collapse of the economic market during and after World War II, the study demonstrates how Italian Neorealism, through its use of long shot filming, non-professional actors, live-action productions, and documentary narratives, redefined the mission of cinematic art beyond its traditional entertainment function to give voice to the underclass. The article delves further into the influence of Italian Neorealism on the French New Wave and Third World cinema, particularly regarding its influence on social realism and political critique. It is expected to continue inspiring future filmmakers, especially those working in independent and developing country cinema.