Umberto D. (1952)

 Vittorio de Sica's "Umberto D."


Add "Umberto D." to the continuing collection of Vittorio de Sica films that are devastating and emotionally charged. I've got to say that although "Umberto D." really falls in line with what De Sica is aesthetically and thematically known for, it still somehow manages to disinterest me. I'm not sure about why, as I appear to be having a string of 'great' films fall short for me recently. Perhaps I am just overloading myself on films and I am becoming fatigued by them. Perhaps this is why I'm not engaging with these great works as I would like to. OBJECTIVELY, "Umberto D." is a great triumph. However, it did not emotionally move me so viscerally as "Shoeshine," "Bicycle Thieves," or even his earlier work like "The Children Are Watching Us." I recognize the film for its emotional accomplishments in an entirely objective way. But, for some reason, I had trouble connected. Perhaps this is a problem that lies with me. 



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