Italian neorealism season - Umberto D.

These "Seasons" effectively constitute an excuse for me watch/rewatch then write about a series of films, connected by a particular genre, movement, era, theme, director or actor (anything really). I'm going to start off with everybody's favourite cinematic movement: Italian neorealsim.

Umberto D., directed by Vittorio De Sica and written by Cesare Zavattini, is a film that is no doubt rooted in the neorealist tradition, depicting faithfully the hardships of the life of the working class. This film does differ from some neorealist films though. Here, the tragedy of the consequences of insufficient support from the state is shown through the lens of nothing more extreme than the gradual degradation of a man's dignity. However, nothing more extreme than the straightforward, goodnatured candour of Umberto is needed to communicate the story; every mundane detail of his life is shown, summing up with beautiful simplicity the struggles of the Italian working class. As is often the case in films such as this, professional actors were not cast in the main roles; Umberto is played by a university lecturer named Carlo Battisti here whose proud proper look works perfectly. Much like the film, his performance is uncomplicated yet heartrending, full of mournful stares and humble indignation, his understated manner compliments the forthright sincerity of the film well. One final note: this is one of the better dog movies you're likely to come across, I'd definitely take it over Marley & Me.