Studying Italian Cinema

Intended as much for students of Italian as of Film Studies, Studying Italian Cinema provides an accessible introduction to one of the most influential of European film industries. Beginning with an overview of post-war Italian Neorealism, author Adalgisa Serio Henry provides in-depth coverage of such classic films as Rome Open City and Bicycle Thieves before moving on to consider Neorealism's legacy through the likes of The Battle of Algiers and Amarcord. Moving on to the contemporary Italian cinema, Henry considers depictions of the family (in such films as The Ignorant Fairies and The Last Kiss), representations of women, and, crucially, film as a social and political comment (including such recent award-winners as Gomorra and Il Divo). Along the way a number of other highly influential films are discussed, all of which ensures that Studying Italian Cinema offers a fresh, contemporary perspective on a vibrant national cinema.

Adalgisa Serio Henry lectures on Italian film at Manchester Metropolitan University, U.K., and works as a freelance trainer in Italian teaching and cinema.