tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post6244771190289455990..comments2024-03-16T10:03:59.180-07:00Comments on The Movie Projector: Two Early Films by Italian MastersR. D. Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-65070342392955695032010-12-01T03:34:06.103-08:002010-12-01T03:34:06.103-08:00BICYCLE THIEVES and UMBERTO D are treasures. Happi...BICYCLE THIEVES and UMBERTO D are treasures. Happily, I had the opporttunity to see both in a theater a few years ago. I will add these two to my list and hunt them out. Thanks!!!Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808503055317962289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-33490656789601394122010-11-30T13:47:05.857-08:002010-11-30T13:47:05.857-08:00John, an interesting observation about de Sica alt...John, an interesting observation about de Sica alternating between serious films and fluff. I find his earlier (and more serious) films more to my taste and would count among his masterpieces the first three you mention plus "Two Women." He also had an interesting career as an actor. According to the DVD extras in "I Vitelloni," Fellini wanted him to play the gay ham actor but he was busy directing a movie.<br /><br />You're hardly alone in your reservations about Antonioni. Many people find him too cold and intellectual (which he is, but I like it, at least up to about "The Eclipse"). I like him but recognize he is not to all tastes, not even those of movie lovers like yourself. This first film is much more of a conventional narrative--almost a Continental film noir--than his later ones and therefore would probably be more palatable to non-enthusiasts.<br /><br />Thanks for your comments. If you like "Bicycle Thieves" and "Umberto D." I think you would find this one worth watching. Both are on Criterion.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125194422306151768.post-21067914621533512732010-11-30T12:57:22.022-08:002010-11-30T12:57:22.022-08:00DeSica's directing career is interesting bounc...DeSica's directing career is interesting bouncing between well crafted, serious works like this one, "Bicycle Thieves", "Umberto D", "The Garden of Finzi-Continis" and fluff like "After the Fox" and "Woman Times Seven." My own introduction to DeSica was with a television showing years ago of "Two Women" and soon after "Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow" and "Marriage, Italian Style" in theaters. This particular film seems to fit in with his early masterful work and I have to search out for a copy. A great review R.D.<br /><br />As for Antonioni, I admittedly have a hard time watching his films. I am sure this is more me and my problem than that of the artist and his admirers. I do like "Blow Up" and still find it engrossing if somewhat dated.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808503055317962289noreply@blogger.com