Giuseppe De Santis

11.02.1917, Fondi, Italy - 16.05.1997, Rome, Italy

Giuseppe De Santis studied philosophy and literature in Rome, and afterwards directing at
the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. He made his film debut as a
co-screenwriter of the film Ossessione (1943) by Luchino Visconti. His
first film was Caccia tragica (1947). In 1949, he made his well-received
film Riso amaro (1949) and in 1952, his last important film Roma ore
11 (1952). In the former Yugoslavia he made his film Cesta duga godinu
dana (1958). Following this, he began to stagnate, and after the 1960s
stopped directing. Even though he began his career when neorealism was already
at its peak, he became one of its most important representatives.

Filmography

Films by this director

Riso amaro

(1949)

Directed by: Giuseppe De Santis

PHOTOGRAPHY: Otello Martelli

Synopsis:

This film deals with the problem of the exploitation of female workers on rice fields in Piemonte. It achieved great success outside of Italy thanks to the erotic scenes with the leading actress Silvana Mangano, who became the first pin-up in Italian cinematography.

35mm, b/w, 107 min

Road a Year Long

(Croatia, Yugoslavia, 1958)

Directed by: Giuseppe De Santis

PHOTOGRAPHY: Marco Scarpelli

Synopsis:

Although he has not received a permit, Emil Kozma initiates construction of a road from an isolated village in the mountains to the main road towards the city. Gradually, the other villagers join him, assuming that the government initiated the construction. Moreover, they think that they will now qualify for a government loan that will help them meet their basic life needs. By the time they discover that Emil began the construction before getting the government’s approval, it is already too late...

b/w, 35 mm, 160'

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