Monday, August 21, 2006
Umberto Saved from Drowning
Herewith another review lifted from www.zip.ca. The film in question is Umberto D. (Vittorio De Sica, 1952).
This film is a justly praised classic of Italian neo-realism. It's a simple story, simply told, but resonates with deep emotion. I did find it a bit dull at times, and the score was schmaltzy and out of keeping with the great restraint of the acting and direction, but otherwise it is a perfect little film. A heartbreakingly sad film.
One of the hallmarks of the neo-realist movement was the use of non-professional actors, and I think it works wonderfully well here. Carlo Battisti, the gentleman who plays Umberto D., was in fact a university professor of language, and this is his only film. DeSica wanted someone middle-class and dignified, which Battisti is; and in addition he expresses a terrible and inconsolable sadness. Maria-Pia Casilio, who plays a sympathetic but rather simple maid, did become a professional actress after making this film -- there is a lovely interview with her on the DVD -- but this was her debut, at age 15, and her performance is one of the most natural and unaffected I have ever seen.
What most impressed me about the film was how much of the emotion in it is conveyed purely visually. The screenplay is very spare. Indeed, you sometimes feel like you're watching a silent film. I think DeSica's craft here is profound.
I don't think he's credited, but the dog who plays Flike - Umberto's companion and only friend - is terrific.
The DVD also has an Italian TV documentary on DeSica, but it's fluff. It's only of interest in showing what a charming fellow DeSica was.
This film is a justly praised classic of Italian neo-realism. It's a simple story, simply told, but resonates with deep emotion. I did find it a bit dull at times, and the score was schmaltzy and out of keeping with the great restraint of the acting and direction, but otherwise it is a perfect little film. A heartbreakingly sad film.
One of the hallmarks of the neo-realist movement was the use of non-professional actors, and I think it works wonderfully well here. Carlo Battisti, the gentleman who plays Umberto D., was in fact a university professor of language, and this is his only film. DeSica wanted someone middle-class and dignified, which Battisti is; and in addition he expresses a terrible and inconsolable sadness. Maria-Pia Casilio, who plays a sympathetic but rather simple maid, did become a professional actress after making this film -- there is a lovely interview with her on the DVD -- but this was her debut, at age 15, and her performance is one of the most natural and unaffected I have ever seen.
What most impressed me about the film was how much of the emotion in it is conveyed purely visually. The screenplay is very spare. Indeed, you sometimes feel like you're watching a silent film. I think DeSica's craft here is profound.
I don't think he's credited, but the dog who plays Flike - Umberto's companion and only friend - is terrific.
The DVD also has an Italian TV documentary on DeSica, but it's fluff. It's only of interest in showing what a charming fellow DeSica was.
# posted by Stephen @ 12:32 a.m. 
