tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post4374292594700768823..comments2024-03-16T10:03:59.180-07:00Comments on The Movie Projector: Umberto D. (1952)R. D. Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-62952824662607358662012-02-24T14:51:16.074-08:002012-02-24T14:51:16.074-08:00Sam, that victims/victimizers dichotomy is also pa...Sam, that victims/victimizers dichotomy is also particularly noticeable in the two other de Sica masterpieces you name, "Shoeshine" and "The Bicycle Thieves." I think it's one of the things that makes all those films so powerful--even after more than sixty years--and so universal, like the best of Chaplin. I first saw "Umberto" not too many years ago during the fifties countdown at Wonders in the Dark. Rewatching it brought out a lot of subtleties I hadn't paid enough attention to in that original viewing. But even though I knew full well what to expect, I found the film's ability to move not at all diminished!R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-36237098965566224312012-02-24T14:07:21.531-08:002012-02-24T14:07:21.531-08:00"In Umberto D. de Sica, like Chaplin in his f..."In Umberto D. de Sica, like Chaplin in his films, presents the world as a place populated by victimizers and the victimized."<br /><br />I couldn't agree with you more R.D. You have written a magnificent review of a neo-realist classic and one of the supreme masterworks of the cinema, a wrenchingly emotional film that (as you rightly note) would only leave the hardest of hearts unmoved. Yes, Battisti and his canine leave a lasting impression, both of the untested variety (said as I laugh thinking of this year's "professional" turn by Uggie in THE ARTIST) The film captures all the physical and mental despair of old age in this film and there is not a single concession to commercialism. UMBERTO D is a string of De Sica masterpieces with BICYCLE THIEVES and SHOESHINE.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-72619036399644325912012-02-22T21:49:18.685-08:002012-02-22T21:49:18.685-08:00Filmboy, thank you! I first got interested in neor...Filmboy, thank you! I first got interested in neorealist films many years ago in college cinema classes but had seen only a couple of the better known ones until more recently, when I started to make an effort to fill in the gaps. This is one of the absolute best and, I think, one of two or three with the most universal appeal. (The others would be "The Bicycle Thieves" and Rossellini's "Open City.")R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-66566435471082232022012-02-22T21:37:03.221-08:002012-02-22T21:37:03.221-08:00John, what a wonderful double feature that must ha...John, what a wonderful double feature that must have been. To be honest, the Chaplin comparison didn't occur to me either when I first saw "Umberto." I think the strong emotional response the film evokes pretty much wipes everything else out on first viewing. I'm glad I chose this one to write on for the Dogathon because it allowed me to watch the film again in a more detached way and find nuances that I hadn't before.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-22301503559275198892012-02-22T19:14:51.468-08:002012-02-22T19:14:51.468-08:00Thank you for this insightful review. I've had...Thank you for this insightful review. I've had this film on my must-see list for years but have yet to do so. Now I need to move it up toward the top.Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-62439825266266917512012-02-22T18:33:26.692-08:002012-02-22T18:33:26.692-08:00R.D.
A magnificent essay to go along with a bril...R.D. <br /><br />A magnificent essay to go along with a brilliant film. I was fortunate enough to see both this film and BICYLCE THIEVES on the big screen at our local historic Tampa Theater a few years ago. The Chaplin comparisons you make never dawned on me but they are spot on. I found both of these films emotional and unforgettably moving. Umberto D is one of the masterworks of International cinema!John Greconoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-41355259428442271002012-02-22T10:39:03.520-08:002012-02-22T10:39:03.520-08:00Kendra, the Criterion DVD is, of course, excellent...Kendra, the Criterion DVD is, of course, excellent. Enthusiasts of classic (and for that matter, modern) foreign cinema worship at the altar of Criterion. Yes, it is heartbreaking, but in a good, cathartic way, which I hope I conveyed. I hadn't thought of which is my favorite neorealist director, but de Sica is the only one in my directors' pantheon, so I suppose he would be mine too. (Although Fellini and Antonioni got their start working with neorealist directors and incorporate elements of neorealism, especially in their early films, they weren't really part of the original school of directors.)R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-28837707946762707812012-02-22T10:37:07.537-08:002012-02-22T10:37:07.537-08:00Jill, de Sica is definitely the most accessible of...Jill, de Sica is definitely the most accessible of the original neorealist directors, because he seemed to be less detached and more emotionally involved with his subjects. So his films are a good place to start for anyone wanting to find out more about neorealism. Most people seem to respond favorably to this one and "The Bicycle Thieves."R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-50749930992540199812012-02-22T06:41:35.785-08:002012-02-22T06:41:35.785-08:00R.D.,
I'll admit that I have seen very few N...R.D., <br /><br />I'll admit that I have seen very few Neorealist films. Something I'm not particularly proud of, that's for sure. Your lovely essay about <i>Umberto D</i> has piqued my interest and I've added this film onto my very long list.Jill (Kittenbiscuits)http://www.sittinonbackyardfence.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-57711897453465362212012-02-22T05:22:37.988-08:002012-02-22T05:22:37.988-08:00Great post about a truly amazing and heartbreaking...Great post about a truly amazing and heartbreaking piece of cinema. I've got this one on Criterion DVD. DeSica is my favorite Neorealist director.<br /><br />Kendra<br /><a href="http://www.vivandlarry.com" rel="nofollow">vivandlarry.com</a>Kendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249077643561441898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-72293743139680746362012-02-21T21:41:00.060-08:002012-02-21T21:41:00.060-08:00Thanks. Hope you enjoy it.Thanks. Hope you enjoy it.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-5908182843049864372012-02-21T17:38:27.841-08:002012-02-21T17:38:27.841-08:00This is a great review. We've added this to &q...This is a great review. We've added this to "the list".R.A. Kerrhttp://silverscreenings.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-35109469616551945982012-02-21T16:42:38.382-08:002012-02-21T16:42:38.382-08:00Dorian, yes the neorealists were great observers. ...Dorian, yes the neorealists were great observers. This was partly due to practical considerations--the difficulties of making movies in postwar Italy--but also an artistic decision. They tried to wrap their observations about life in simple but compelling stories and characters, which I think explains the appeal of their movies at the time and the enduring appeal of films like "Umberto" today.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-4964386428480934142012-02-21T16:28:33.132-08:002012-02-21T16:28:33.132-08:00R.D., I'll admit I've never watched any It...R.D., I'll admit I've never watched any Italian neorealist films from start to finish, but your blog post has me interested. To borrow a line from Jim Jarmusch's DOWN BY LAW, it's a sad and beautiful world, and judging from your poignant review and well-chosen photos, UMBERTO D reflects the man character's world with great care, thought, and above all, humanity. I'll keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the opportunity to read about what is clearly a film well worth seeing!DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-59445637630890633822012-02-21T10:23:04.400-08:002012-02-21T10:23:04.400-08:00Thank you. It is indeed a moving film. It confront...Thank you. It is indeed a moving film. It confronts the hardships of Umberto and people like him head on but still leaves room at the end at least for survival in the face of problems that are still with us.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-5610842153606780592012-02-21T04:50:35.131-08:002012-02-21T04:50:35.131-08:00This sounds like a very moving film. Another, film...This sounds like a very moving film. Another, film I have not yet seen but have added to my "must see" list. Awesome post!!Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476174860119487509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-22625552806992973422012-02-20T23:56:49.788-08:002012-02-20T23:56:49.788-08:00I find that the elderly in films tend to be either...I find that the elderly in films tend to be either cloyingly idealized or treated as objects of ridicule. This movie is a rare exception that acknowledges the age of the main character and deals with the problems of his age, but treats him as a real human being that the viewer can understand and identify with.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-15583010034940255022012-02-20T23:24:09.932-08:002012-02-20T23:24:09.932-08:00As always, I was hoping that some readers wouldn&#...As always, I was hoping that some readers wouldn't have seen this film. I'm sure it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, but if the way I described it made it seem appealing, I don't think you'll be disappointed.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-33072054076028638902012-02-20T23:19:01.592-08:002012-02-20T23:19:01.592-08:00Becky, the resemblance to Chaplin is to me unmista...Becky, the resemblance to Chaplin is to me unmistakable in this film. The whimsy isn't there, but the complete identification of the filmmaker with the victims of bullies and of social injustice definitely is. De Sica's ability to get us on the side of his characters right from the beginning is the same as Chaplin's too. Some complain of Chaplin's sentimentality, as I'm sure they would of de Sica's here. I don't have any problem with it because it's honest sentiment that's honestly conveyed, and that honesty tempered with the suggestion of hope is what makes the painful situations bearable.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-15638834057602436582012-02-20T23:08:29.724-08:002012-02-20T23:08:29.724-08:00Great comparison to "Cabiria," which is ...Great comparison to "Cabiria," which is my own favorite Fellini film. It's actually closer in spirit to Chaplin than "Umberto" because of its blend of pathos and humor, with Fellini's own brand of weirdness thrown into the mix. Cabiria's resilience in the face of adversity is what makes the unfortunate things that constantly happen to her acceptable. Only a true innocent could retain such optimism after such disappointment.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-47566358686216386362012-02-20T23:00:00.451-08:002012-02-20T23:00:00.451-08:00Kim, I can certainly understand why you like "...Kim, I can certainly understand why you like "The Children Are Watching Us" so much. I discovered it by accident and loved the way if pointed ahead to de Sica's next films, the ones that really made his reputation. It already showed his command of film storytelling and his preoccupation with themes he would continue to explore in his neorealist films. I wasn't originally planning to participate in the Dogathon, then at the last minute remembered "Umberto." I certainly hope that anyone reading the post who hasn't seen the film will give it serious consideration.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-34720183209007831682012-02-20T22:57:26.219-08:002012-02-20T22:57:26.219-08:00The only thing that is almost as nice as a boy and...The only thing that is almost as nice as a boy and his dog is an old man and his dog. Great review for a film I had never heard of before. I may have to give this one a try later.openvaultdisneyhttp://openvaultdisney.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-53853880156460565582012-02-20T18:32:23.223-08:002012-02-20T18:32:23.223-08:00This sounds like a great film and - admittedly - I...This sounds like a great film and - admittedly - I likely wouldn't have heard about it if you hadn't reviewed it. Thanks!R.A. Kerrhttp://www.silverscreenings.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-73891349888265327062012-02-20T17:28:02.223-08:002012-02-20T17:28:02.223-08:00de Sica was certainly the Italian Chaplin, as you ...de Sica was certainly the Italian Chaplin, as you inferred in your review. I have not seen this, and have to say I am really excited about finding it. Obviously Chaplin inspired de Sica, and I'm sure I would pass the litmus test for emotional reaction to this film. Excellent review!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-75874150916795567772012-02-20T16:08:37.186-08:002012-02-20T16:08:37.186-08:00For those that haven't scene UMBERTO D., it...For those that haven't scene UMBERTO D., it's available on YouTube in a pristine print with good subtitles. The only downside is having to watch it in nine parts, but that's a small price to pay for viewing a great film.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.com