Umberto Domenico Ferrari (Carlo Battisti) is a weary old man on the brink of disaster. He and his dog, Flike, are out of money and on the verge of losing everything–their home, their ability to eat, and eventually their lives. However, Umberto D. will do all that he can to survive and take care of his best friend, Flike; and he will ensure that Flike is both happy and healthy. As we all know, dog is a man’s best friend, and Umberto D. is proof of this sentiment.
There’s an obvious disconnect due to the language barrier...I don’t speak Italian, but emotion is emotion regardless of where you’re from. Sure, there are moments throughout the course of Umberto D. that I struggled to appreciate the nuances developed by director Vittorio De Sica, and, honestly, some things were simply lost in translation. Now, I don’t mind a foreign film, I can follow the subtitles, but truly understanding the words as they pour from the lips of the characters means so much more than reading them on the screen, and this is where my struggles lie. I have no issue with the film being in a different language, because...well, that would be absurd, but, again, something is lost as the Italian dialogue becomes English text.
All of this leads me to my next point, however–and that point is Battisti. Even though I do lose some of those nuances throughout Umberto D., Battisti is wonderful, and more than capable of conveying emotion. His face is so full of expression and emotion, driving home the sentiments present through the film and allowing viewers (even those that don’t understand the language) to appreciate Umberto’s struggles. A beautiful and heartfelt story is present from beginning to end, but Battisti is the reason that viewers are able to appreciate that story. He’s captivating and full of vigor throughout the entirety of the film (p.s. he reminds me a tad of Roberto Benigni–who is one of the most expressive actors I’ve ever seen).
The story is driven entirely by emotion as an elderly man and his dog live through post-WWII Italy without any money or any hope. I’ve never struggled like Umberto D. and Flike, but I understand what it’s like to love a four-legged furry friend like he’s your brother. I know what it’s like to know you’d do anything for the dog because he’s one of your best friends, and that’s what viewers get throughout the course of Umberto D.. I was intrigued by the relationship between Umberto and Flike and love how perfectly represented their love is on screen. Even if you hate animals this relationship is so pure that it mirrors the ones we have with other human beings, making the film incredibly relatable. As the film concluded I was brought so close to tears that I was afraid I’d be unable to contain myself–that’s how emotionally relevant Umberto D. is, and I love it.
Like previously mentioned, there are moments when I struggled to appreciate the sentiment present throughout the course of Umberto D., but that’s honestly my issue and not the issue of anyone involved. Aside from the language barrier, nearly everything about Umberto D. exists in harmony and entertains viewers from beginning to end. The sentiment is beautiful and the story relatable, but it’s Battisti that steals the show. He’s wonderful in all that he does throughout the film and brings to life a relationship that I truly believe everyone can understand. What a wonderfully relevant story of love and hope.
Directed by Vittorio De Sica.
Written by Cesare Zavattini.
Starring Carlo Battisti, Maria Pia Casilio, Lina Gennari, Ileana Simova, Elena Rea, Memmo Carotenuto, De Silva, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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