What would happen if the characters of an Italian neo-realist film were thrown together with actors from modern television commercials? The Icicle Thief is the answer to this oft asked question. In this film-within-a-film, Maurizio Nichetti directs and plays the part of director as well. In the film, Nichetti has created a neo-neo-realist film, The Icicle Thief, as an homage to the classics of the '40s. When his film is shown on television something goes terribly wrong. Just as his protagonist is supposed to have an accident that will leave him paralyzed, he is distracted by the cries of a beautiful Scandinavian actress who has somehow migrated from a contemporary, stylish commercial.
Before long the film has taken on a completely new plot, and several of its characters find that life in the consumer society's commercials is much more rewarding than that in a neo-realist slum. But the director refuses to let his work be destroyed in this way. He enters the fray, and the film as well, to sort things out. Before long he stands accused of the murder of Maria, one of his own characters, who has actually left his film for a part in a musical ad.
The Icicle Thief pokes fun at both the hyper-pathos of the neo-realists and the indifferent extravagance of modern society. But it manages to do so in a way that is sympathetic to both. Even after Maria has abandoned her family and left the film-within-a-film for a better life selling soap, she is still a likable character.
This is an extremely funny film, especially for anyone who has seen Bicycle Thieves. If you haven't seen that film yet, make sure you do before watching The Icicle Thief. After seeing this film, neo-realism will never be the same.