Introduction
The Children Are Watching Us (I bambini ci guardano), directed by Vittorio De Sica, is a landmark film in Italian cinema. Released in 1944 during the final years of World War II, this poignant work is often regarded as a precursor to the Italian Neorealist movement. It marks a significant departure from the escapist and propagandistic films of the Fascist era, focusing instead on the emotional complexities of family life as seen through the innocent eyes of a child.
This film is a haunting exploration of betrayal, societal expectations, and the devastating effects of adult decisions on a young boy. It remains a deeply moving and important work, both for its artistic merit and its role in shaping the future of Italian cinema.
Plot Summary
The story unfolds through the eyes of a 4-year-old boy, Pricò, whose world is turned upside down by the disintegration of his family. His father, Andrea, is a kind but reserved man, while his mother, Nina, is emotionally torn between her duties as a wife and her passion for another man, Roberto.
The film begins with Nina abandoning her family to elope with Roberto. This act of infidelity leaves Pricò in the care of a neglectful maid and sets the stage for the emotional turbulence that follows. When Nina eventually returns, ostensibly out of guilt and social pressure, the family’s attempt to reconcile is fraught with tension and heartbreak.
Pricò becomes an unwitting witness to his parents’ emotional struggles. His innocence and loyalty are juxtaposed with the selfishness and flawed humanity of the adults around him. A pivotal moment occurs during a seaside vacation, where Andrea and Nina try to patch things up. Pricò, sensing the fragility of the situation, is caught between hope and despair.
The final act is devastating. Unable to bear the humiliation of Nina’s continuing infidelity, Andrea takes his own life. Nina, left alone with Pricò, faces the bitter consequences of her choices. In the closing scene, Pricò is sent away to live in an orphanage, his tear-streaked face a haunting reminder of the emotional scars inflicted upon him.
Themes and Analysis
1. The Perspective of the Child
What sets The Children Are Watching Us apart is its child-centric narrative. De Sica skillfully captures the world through Pricò’s innocent eyes, emphasizing how adult actions—often careless and self-centered—profoundly impact children. Pricò’s silence and wide-eyed observation serve as a powerful commentary on the unspoken emotional burden borne by children in tumultuous families.
2. Critique of Bourgeois Morality
The film critiques the moral and social hypocrisies of the Italian bourgeoisie. Nina’s infidelity is not merely a personal failing but a rebellion against societal expectations that ultimately leads to her family’s ruin. Similarly, Andrea’s stoic suffering highlights the patriarchal pressure to maintain appearances, even at great personal cost.
3. Precursor to Neorealism
Although not fully a Neorealist film, The Children Are Watching Us incorporates many elements that would define the movement. The use of non-professional actors for minor roles, the focus on ordinary people, and the depiction of social issues all point towards the aesthetic and thematic shifts that De Sica would fully embrace in later works like Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette, 1948).
4. The Role of Women
Nina’s character is both a victim of societal constraints and an agent of her family’s downfall. Her choices reflect the limited agency of women in Fascist-era Italy, where personal happiness often conflicted with prescribed gender roles. However, the film refrains from outright condemnation, instead presenting her as a deeply flawed and human figure.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, The Children Are Watching Us received mixed reactions. In wartime Italy, audiences accustomed to the glossy escapism of “white telephone” films found De Sica’s unflinching realism challenging. However, critics recognized its artistic ambition and emotional depth.
Initial Reviews
•Italian critics in the 1940s praised the film for its daring subject matter and innovative approach. However, some dismissed it as overly sentimental.
•Fascist censors were wary of its social critique, though it avoided outright political commentary.
Legacy and Modern Appraisal
In retrospect, The Children Are Watching Us is hailed as a masterpiece. Film scholars see it as a pivotal work in De Sica’s oeuvre and a bridge between pre- and post-war Italian cinema. The performances, particularly that of young Luciano De Ambrosis as Pricò, are universally lauded for their authenticity.
Prominent critic André Bazin admired the film’s emotional resonance, calling it a “poetic tragedy.” Contemporary audiences appreciate its timeless themes and the way it handles sensitive issues with grace and subtlety.
Cinematography and Style
De Sica collaborated with cinematographer Giuseppe Caracciolo to create a visual language that reflects Pricò’s inner world. The camera often lingers on Pricò’s face, capturing his confusion and heartbreak in moments of silence. The contrast between the idyllic settings—such as the seaside resort—and the emotional turmoil of the characters heightens the tragedy.
The film’s music, composed by Renzo Rossellini, underscores its melancholic tone, with subtle motifs that mirror Pricò’s shifting emotions.
Impact on Italian Cinema
The Children Are Watching Us marked a turning point for De Sica, who would go on to become one of the leading figures of Italian Neorealism. The film’s focus on social realism, moral ambiguity, and the lives of ordinary people laid the groundwork for subsequent masterpieces like Shoeshine (Sciuscià, 1946) and Bicycle Thieves.
Moreover, the film inspired other directors, including Roberto Rossellini and Luchino Visconti, to explore the struggles of post-war Italy with unflinching honesty.
Conclusion
The Children Are Watching Us remains a deeply moving and significant work in the history of cinema. Its portrayal of a crumbling family through the eyes of a child is as relevant today as it was in 1944. With its rich emotional tapestry and pioneering storytelling, the film stands as a testament to Vittorio De Sica’s genius and his enduring legacy in the world of film.
Whether viewed as a historical artifact or a timeless exploration of human frailty, The Children Are Watching Us continues to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.
