Umberto D. (1952, Vittorio De Sica)
It wasn’t hard to tell that this was another picture by Vittorio De Sica, as it bears a striking resemblance to his other great, The Bicycle Thief (which I reviewed here only a few weeks ago).
The story is similarly simple; it tells of an older man (the titular character, played by Carlo Battisti, who was not a professional actor) who is retired. He has trouble paying his landlady (Lina Gennari), and his pension doesn’t quite cut it. His only friends are his dog, Flike, and a young maid who works for his landlady, Maria (Maria-Pia Casilio). He tries ever more desperate schemes to come up with the money so his landlady won’t kick him out.
His problems are human and simple, much like that of Antonio in The Bicycle Thief — he just needs to make enough money so he’ll have a roof over his head. Battisti plays this role wonderfully, with subtle grace, and I was very impressed with him. The way he walks though a harsh, postwar Rome, seeking help, his dog his only companion, was beautiful.
There is a subplot involving the young maid, which I didn’t feel worked entirely, but maybe I missed the point. All in all, this movie is wonderful, and I suggest it be watched in conjunction with De Sica’s other masterpiece.
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