So the latest film that was screen in my Film history class was Umberto D. by De Sica. At first I was not sure how I was going to feel when the movie started with a pensioners protest, and I didn't really quite understand the character of Umberto or his motives. But as the film progresses I began to have an overwhelming sympathy for this man, and the cruelty, snobbery, and selfishness he faces. He is too proud to beg, and so he sells his possessions. It is hard to say how attached he is to them because he is always trying to be a good salesman. In a sense he is a storyteller, and yet there is some truth in what he says?
But midway through the film and to the end I became attached emotionally to his dog, Flike. His only faithful companion. Flike is the sweetest and most intelligent of pets. Umberto almost looses him twice, which visually you can plainly see is a very painful experience for both him and Flike. Upon leaving all his worldly possessions and friendships behind, Flike is all Umberto has left, and perhaps vice versa.
De Sica certainly convinced me of the beautiful tragedy that plays out. Sometimes there is nothing we can do in life to fix our circumstances, try as hard as we might. And no one will feel obligated to help. It does feel completely true to the Italian Neo-Realism. Sometimes when no one is looking the most awful things are happening to those we might have known once, or still know. Human hardship is inevitable, but we all must find ways to survive. So thank goodness for Flike.
I highly suggest watching this film if you have never seen it, or only seen part of it. It is psychologically very effective, if you like these types of emotionally realistic movies.
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