Giuseppe De Santis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Giuseppe de Santis
|
|
|---|---|
on a set break
|
|
| Born | 11 February 1917 |
| Died | 16 May 1997 (aged 80) |
| Years active | 1940–1995 |
| Spouse(s) | Gordana Miletic |
Giuseppe De Santis (born February 11, 1917 – died May 16, 1997) was a famous Italian film director. He was known for making movies that showed the real lives of ordinary people. These films often called for important changes in society. He was one of the key directors in a style called neorealism during the 1940s and 1950s.
His brother, Pasqualino De Santis, was also involved in movies as a cinematographer. Giuseppe De Santis was married to Gordana Miletic, an actress and dancer from Yugoslavia.
Contents
Giuseppe De Santis's Early Life and Career
Giuseppe De Santis was born in Fondi, a town in the Lazio region of Italy. Before becoming a filmmaker, he studied philosophy and literature. He later joined the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, a famous film school.
Working as a Journalist and Filmmaker
De Santis also worked as a journalist for Cinema magazine. Here, he met Cesare Zavattini, who greatly influenced him. De Santis became a strong supporter of the early neorealist filmmakers.
These filmmakers wanted to create movies that showed the simple and often sad truths of everyday life. They filmed in real locations and often used actors who were not professionals.
First Steps in Film Direction
In 1942, De Santis helped write the script for Ossessione. This film was directed by Luchino Visconti and is often seen as one of the very first neorealist movies.
De Santis also joined the Italian Communist Party (PCI). He fought against the German occupation in Rome during World War II.
Directing His Own Films
De Santis continued to work as a screenwriter and assistant director. In 1947, he directed his first film, Caccia Tragica (which means Tragic Hunt).
Movies About Social Issues
Like his next two films, Tragic Hunt was a strong message asking for better lives for working-class people and farmers in Italy. His movies often talked about problems like corruption, the black market, and how ex-soldiers were treated.
His third film, Bitter Rice (1949), became very famous. It told the story of a young woman working in rice fields. She had to choose between two very different men. This movie made Silvana Mangano a big star. Bitter Rice also earned De Santis an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Story.
Changing Film Styles
By the early 1950s, the neorealist film style started to become less popular. New filmmakers began to focus more on dramatic stories about relationships. De Santis also changed his focus to keep up with these new trends.
In 1952, he directed Roma ore 11 (Rome 11 o'clock). This film was based on a real-life tragic accident.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1959, Giuseppe De Santis won a Golden Globe award for his film La strada lunga un anno. This movie was made in Yugoslavia. It was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
De Santis passed away in 1997 at the age of 80 in Rome. He died from a heart attack. A day of mourning was announced in Italy to honor him.
Some of his important papers and works have been given to the Reynolds Library at Wake Forest University. Also, his wife and friends created a foundation named after him to continue his legacy.
Filmography
- Desire (1946)
- The Sun Still Rises (1946)
- Tragic Hunt (1947)
- Bitter Rice (1949)
- No Peace Under the Olive Tree (1950)
- Rome 11:00 (1952)
- A Husband for Anna (1953)
- Days of Love (1954)
- The Wolves (1956)
- Engaged to Death (1957)
- The Road a Year Long (1958)
- La garçonnière (1960)
- Attack and Retreat (1964)
- Un apprezzato professionista di sicuro avvenire (1972)
See also
In Spanish: Giuseppe de Santis para niños
