Le Grande Ilusion, directed by Jen Renoir (France, 1937)
In this scene, PV and EVS are talking about how the war (World War I) means the end of the upper classes in both France and Germany, and the rise of America and Britain. As Stroheim hints, this the culmination of the French Revolution.
Rules of the Game, directed by Jean Renoir (France, 1939), a comedy and satire, showed the moral callousness of the ruling class on the eve of impending destruction.
Rome, Open City by Roberto Rosollini, was the embodiment of Italian neo-realism
The Bicycle Thief, directed by Vittorio De Sica (Italy, 1949)
Jules and Jim, directed by François Truffaut (France, 1962)
8 1/2 directed by Federico Fellini (Italy, 1963)