The child star of Vittorio De Sica’s ‘Ladri di Biciclette’ (Bicycle Thieves) has passed away at 85. Starring at the age of 9 as 'Bruno Ricci' in the Oscar winning drama, Staiola’s realist approach in the film brought a closer look towards the Italian Neo Realist era. Born on November 15, 1939 in Rome, Staiola is described as the last icon of Italian Neorealism, according to the Italian magazine ‘Spettacolo.EU’.
In an interview with La Repubblica, Staiola shares his first encounter with De Sica. The famous director noticed the little boy when he was walking back from school. “I was coming back from school and at a certain point I noticed this big car following me at walking pace,” Staiola explained. “Then this gentleman with gray hair, all dressed up, got out and asked me: ‘What’s your name?’, and I was silent. And he said: ‘But don’t you talk?’ ‘I don’t feel like talking,’ I replied. My mother always told me not to be too familiar if someone stopped us… But De Sica followed me home. My parents recognized him right away. He was a famous actor. He sat at the table in our house and tried to convince them to let me act in his new film. But they didn’t want to.” De Sica offered the role to Staiola without any audition. Additionally, the maker of the masterpiece was also in search of working class authenticity for a realistic approach.
Films made during the Italian Neo realist wave represented the harsh realities in the wake of the Second World War. Hence, an actual raw portrayal of everyday life, particularly highlighting the struggles of the working class and the poor was the spotlight of the film movement that emerged in Italy. ‘Bicycle Thieves’ is also known as the face of Italian Neo Realism. Enzo’s character Bruno Ricci showcases one of the best onscreen depictions of childhood innocence. The film also won an Academy Award for Best Foreign-language Film.
Staiola’s other works include ‘The Barefoot Contessa’, 'Hearts Without Borders', 'Vulcano', 'Guilt is Not Mine' and 'A Tale of Five Women'. He then became a mathematics teacher and a longtime clerk in a land registry office after he stopped acting.
Staiola has not only been a face of reality, but also one to be remembered in history.
