DAY SEVEN

In today’s class we watched our final screening, Umberto D. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I found it confronting but also very humorous and refreshing. I laughed as much as I worried for Umberto D. He is very loveable and, despite our very different situations in life, I found it very easy to understand him and his tribulations.

The dialogue in this film is minimal. Only what needs to be verbalised is, and what isn't is clearly communicated through actions and the expressive faces of the cast. The many close-ups of despondent, desperate faces, give the film an overall mood of the difficulties they must face every day.

The performances are excellent, especially notable is Umberto's canine companion, Flike. Umberto (Carlo Battisti) himself is brilliant. In his eyes we see torment and loss of hope in mankind and his life.

A particularly touching scene for me was when Umberto decides he must beg for money, but cannot bring himself to do so. It is as though this is the last step you take, when you become helpless, and Umberto refuses to give in to this desperation, refuses to beg for help from others. In this scene I gained a lot of respect for Umberto and the way that he would not sacrifice his morals even after it seems as though he has sacrificed everything else.

The way in which he refuses to give up totally is inspiring and is what ultimate leads to his redemption at the end of the film. He tries numerous pranks in an attempt to improve his way of life, including admitting himself to the hospital, and yet does it with grace and dignity.

The camera is used subtly, it steps back and lets the viewers take in the scene and become a part of it. Deep focus shots are extremely emotive and demand the audience's participation in the film.

The editing is also discreet and minimal so as not to take away from the real focus: the characters and their stories.

Music is omnipresent, often bleak but at times upbeat, although never intrusive.

This film is beautiful and there is much to be learnt; one does not need to be an obvious hero to be an embodiment of the goodness that we seldom find in humanity.

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