7.0
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The Icicle Thief
1989·Movie
The Icicle Thief fingerprint
Funny, strong craft.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension5
- Spectacle5
Heart
Nostalgic and melancholic
- Nostalgia8
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
Humor
Plenty of satire and absurdist humor
- Satire & Parody9
- Absurdist Humor8
- Situational Comedy7
World
Society, history, and class and money
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout direction and dialogue
- Direction8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Meta Narrative8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
The Icicle Thief is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and melancholic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and absurdist humor
Expect plenty of satire and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody9Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy7Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
MediumSociety, history, and class and money
Its world is built around society, history, and class and money.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Showbiz7Entertainment industry and performance.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout direction and dialogue
The direction and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative8Stories about storytelling.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Director Maurizio Nichetti is invited on TV to introduce a screening of his neo-realist classic 'The Icicle Thief'. He is horrified to discover that his black-and-white tale of life in poverty is constantly interrupted by garish color commercials, and even more horrified when a power cut in the studio causes film and commercials to mix up – a glamorous model finds herself in the arms of an unemployed pauper, while his wife finds herself in consumers' heaven. Nichetti has to break into the film to try to sort everything out.
Satirical Meta-ComedyNeo-Realism ParodyBreaks Fourth WallFilm within a FilmItalian Cinema HomageAbsurdist HumorSocial CommentaryPastiche of StylesNostalgic Tone
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Icicle Thief
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Icicle Thief worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7 and Rotten Tomatoes 80%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Icicle Thief?
1 h 30 min
The Icicle Thief runs 1 h 30 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Icicle Thief?
Critics80
Audiences67
Not quite. Critics rate The Icicle Thief higher (80) than audiences (67). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Icicle Thief in?
ItalianEnglish
It was made in Italian, with some English. Produced in Italy.
What tropes does The Icicle Thief use?
Shout-OutTrapped in TV LandInsult BackfireShow Within a ShowIntrepid FictioneerFourth-Wall ObserverRidiculous Exchange RatesDeliberately MonochromeSurprisingly Happy EndingFighting Across Time and SpaceRefugee from TV LandFrame-Up
TV Tropes lists 12 storytelling tropes for The Icicle Thief, including Shout-Out, Trapped in TV Land, Insult Backfire.