Reassessing Rossellini: Restoration of "Rome Open City," the director's masterpiece, prompts a look at why he later retreated from the neorealism it introduced.

ROME Open City (Film); ROSSELLINI, Roberto, 1906-1977; REALISM in motion pictures; MOTION pictures -- History -- 1941-1950; ITALIAN films; MOTION pictures

This article presents an examination into the 1945 Italian film "Rome Open City" directed by Roberto Rossellini. Details are given describing the film's historic and artistic context, pointing out its pioneering influence on the aesthetics of 20th-century Italian cinema. The plot and notable elements of the film are also outlined. The director's later career and aesthetics are then examined, noting his rejection of neorealism. Commentary is also given in response to the film's reconstruction and release on DVD-video in 2011.