Biography of Vittorio De Sica

Naples by Oscar

July 7, 1901
November 13, 1974
Vittorio De Sica was born in Terra di Lavoro (province then belonging to the Campania), near Frosinone, July 7, 1901. De Sica was undoubtedly one of the greatest directors in film history, idolized by giants from overseas that invariably cite him as a sublime example of artist. True to the saying "nemo Prophet in his own country," the Italy, sick of xenophilia has never been able to enhance it, disregarding as sometimes happens its great personalities. Born into a family of humble origin, Vittorio De Sica studies in Naples up to fifteen years; He started working as an apprentice and then moved to Rome with his family where he obtained his diploma in accounting. Already as a student he began to attend the theatrical environment and to compete as an actor. In 1926 the debut in film, starring and established itself in parts of gallant conqueror. These years are the movies "the men scoundrels!" (1932) and "department stores" (1939).
Very distinct character, despite the humble beginnings, with great talent in acting, De Sica was, along with Roberto Rossellini, the founder of Neorealist cinema, when current come out "the children are watching us" (1942), "Sciuscià" (1946, portrait of abandoned children) and, two years later, "the bicycle thief", about the plight of the unemployed in the postwar period. For these last two titles the great Director wins an Oscar. Later in the wake of the neo-realist poetry acts in "miracle in Milan" and the wistful "Umberto d.", bitter film considered by many as his masterpiece. Later, abandoned the current Neorealist, Vittorio De Sica is dedicated to film more disengaged but no less loads of sensation and refinement as the extraordinary "the gold of Naples". These include "La Ciociara" (1961), "yesterday, today and tomorrow" (1964), "All'Italiana" (1964), "Il giardino dei Finzi Contini" (with which he won another Oscar in 1971). The last film made is "the journey", 1974. On 13 November of the same year the Director goes off to Paris at the age of 72 years.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.