How was Italian Neo-Realism received by the Hollywood and Italian audiences?

Italian Neo-Realism emerged in the aftermath of World War II, characterized by its focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people and its use of non-professional actors and real locations. The movement was initially met with mixed reactions from both Hollywood and Italian audiences.

In Italy, while there was a segment of the public and critics who appreciated the movement for its authenticity and its departure from the grand narratives typical before the war, many mainstream viewers were not fully receptive. Many Italians were used to the escapist, glamorous films produced prior to the war and found the harsh realities depicted in neo-realist films uncomfortable or unappealing. Furthermore, the Italian film industry was transitioning, and some filmmakers and audiences were looking for a return to more traditional forms of storytelling.

Similarly, Hollywood's response was largely one of indifference or outright dismissal. The American film industry was thriving with its own style and was not inclined to embrace foreign films that presented stark and unvarnished portrayals of life, which were often in direct contrast to Hollywood's polished and idealized narratives.

Therefore, the assertion that Italian Neo-Realism was rejected by both Hollywood and the Italian public captures the general sentiment of the time, as many in these audiences did not fully appreciate the