#201: DE SICA, Vittorio: Umberto D. (1952)

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DE SICA, Vittorio (Italy)
Umberto D. [1952]
Spine #201
DVD


Shot on location with a cast of nonprofessional actors, Vittorio De Sica's neorealist masterpiece follows Umberto D., an elderly pensioner, as he struggles to make ends meet during Italy's postwar economic boom. Alone except for his dog, Flike, Umberto strives to maintain his dignity while trying to survive in a city where traditional human kindness seems to have lost out to the forces of modernization. Umberto's simple quest to fulfill the most fundamental human needs — food, shelter, companionship — is one of the most heartbreaking stories ever filmed and an essential classic of world cinema.

89 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in Italian
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2003
Director/Writers


From an original story by Cesare Zavattini.
Screenplay by Zavattini and Vittorio De Sica.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Ten-page wraparound featuring essays by Stuart Klawans and De Sica.

Commentary

None.

That’s Life: Vittorio De Sica

A 55-minute documentary made for Italian television in 2001.
Video interview

With actress Casilio.
Writings

On Umberto D. By Umberto Eco, Luisa Alessandri, and Carlo Battisti.
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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