Each country has its fair share of seminal directors: we had Hitchcock, America had John Ford, Russia had Sergei Eisenstein, etc. One of Italy's was Vittorio De Sica.

At the start of his career he was making films that were deemed to be part of the Italian Neo-Realism movement at the time; titles that helped define this movement include his 1948 classic The Bicycle Thief and 1951's Umberto D.

It was a style that was almost like a documentary in its approach. The camera attempted to capture genuine emotions in the most naturalistic way.

By the time the sixties had arrived however, neo-realism was over. De Sica himself had moved on, deciding instead to adopt a more conventional approach to film-making, of which Il Boom is the perfect example.

Although Italy is seeing a remarkable change in economic fortunes at the start of the sixties, not everyone is benefiting from it yet. Giovanni (Alberto Sordi) has it all: a beautiful wife, a comfortable home, and affluent friends. The only thing missing are the funds to keep him and his wife in the life that they've become accustomed to.

Giovanni takes out a loan until he can get back on his feet, but his wife isn't exactly a cheap date, and the circles they both move in are oiled by money. With far more money going out than coming in, he starts to panic and quietly asks anyone who will listen for help. He tries to sell them a brilliant business idea, but no-one is interested.

After meeting one of the wealthiest businessmen in Rome, Giovanni gets a business proposition – from the businessman's wife. She proposes a most curious transaction indeed, one that would see Giovanni giving up on a very personal possession – a particular body part. Although initially seemingly ludicrous, the more time passes with creditors breathing down his neck, the more serious Giovanni has to consider the offer. But will he give up a part of himself just so he can continue his excessive lifestyle?

I know it's wrong, on so many levels, but sometimes I dream of a cup of Gold Blend instant in a large mug.

Considering the seriousness of his earlier work, it's surprising to see De Sica helm a comedy. But as you would expect, it's not quite an all-out laugh fest.

Il Boom is predominately a bittersweet tale that beautifully captures the mood of the period. This 50th anniversary DVD premiere however, reveals that the film itself hasn't stood the test of time particularly well.

The biggest concern is Sordi's character; Giovanni, despite his vibrant personality, isn't that likeable, nor are his so-called friends for that matter. All they seem to care about is partying into the early hours of the morning, and enjoying a curious dabble of apparent wife swapping.

It's therefore really difficult to warm to Giovanni or his plight; perhaps if he had to consider, say, selling a kidney to keep his wife from being taken by the Mafia, it would be more understandable. The fact is however, that they just need money to sustain their already over the top way of life. It's therefore virtually impossible to care if he has to keep the champagne flowing or not.

On top of that, the film's conclusion is also on the disappointing side. There's an open-ended ambiguity to it that only helps to compound the feeling of deep dissatisfaction.

Many may still consider Il Boom a classic, but the truth is, it may well have satisfied audiences back in the day, but any relevance, or charm for that matter, it may have had, has long since fizzled out.