It is a 1952 Italian neorealist film. Directed by Vittorio De Sica. Written by Cesare Zavattini. Most of the actors are non -professional, including Carlo Barristi, who plays the title role of Umberto Domenico Ferrari.
He has dedicated the film to his father.
He is a poor, elderly man in Rome who is desperately trying to keep his rented room. His landlady is evicting him & his only true friends, the household maid & his dog Flike are of no help.
This was De Sica’s favourite of all his films. It was included in TIMe Magazine’s ‘All Time 100 Movies’ in 2005. The film’s sets were designed by Virgilio Marchi.
The state of the pensioners remains more or less the same. The film is relevant today because of it’s eternal message. In desperation, he leaves his rented room with his dog. He is climbing down the stairs & gradually only his disappearing cap is seen . Then that is seen no more.
He tries to walk on the railway track as a speeding train approaches. Flike in his arms, wriggles free & runs away. He runs after him. Still homeless, Umberto scampers down the park lane while playing with the dog.
The positive end is encouraging. Fearing he would end his life under the speeding train was a no no.
Rotten Tomatoes has given it a 9/10. It was nominated for the Grand Prix – 1952 Cannes Film festival. It has 1955 New York Film Critics Circle award for Best foreign Film. Cesare Zavattini was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story at the 29th Academy awards in 1957.
A French remake ‘A Man & His Dog’ premiered in 2008.It was directed by Francis Huster. I believe it demanded a remake because of it’s strong message. Without mincing words, it is loud & clear.
A black & white gem.
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