Umberto D (re-release) 2002
Directed by
Vittorio De Sica
Made by
Janus Films
Plot Summary
Police disperse an organized protest of senior citizens who are demanding an increase in their meager pensions. Among the demonstrators is Umberto D. Ferrari, a retired government employee facing dire financial straits.
Upon returning to his cramped room, Umberto discovers that his landlady has rented it out for an hour to a young couple seeking privacy. She then threatens him with eviction at the end of the month if he cannot settle his overdue rent of fifteen thousand lire. Desperate, Umberto sells a watch and some books, but only manages to gather a third of the required amount. Unfortunately, the landlady refuses to accept anything less than the full payment.
During this time, the sympathetic maid confides in Umberto about her own troubles. She reveals that she is three months pregnant and uncertain about which of her two soldier lovers—the tall one from Naples or the short one from Florence—is the father.
Feeling unwell, Umberto checks himself into the hospital, only to find out that he is suffering from tonsillitis. After a few days of treatment, he is discharged and returns to discover his living situation has drastically changed. The landlady is preparing for marriage and the apartment is undergoing renovations, leaving his room in disarray with a gaping hole in the wall. The maid informs Umberto that the area is being remodeled into an enlarged living room. She has also been looking after his beloved dog, Flike, but due to an open door, Flike has managed to escape.
In a panic, Umberto rushes to the city pound and is relieved to find Flike safe. However, when he approaches a friend in hopes of borrowing some money, the friend is dismissive and refuses to help. Overwhelmed by desperation and unable to bring himself to beg on the street, Umberto contemplates suicide, but knows he must first ensure Flike is cared for. He decides to pack his belongings and vacate the apartment, leaving parting advice for the maid to rid herself of her boyfriend from Florence.
Umberto then tries to find a new home for Flike, first with a couple who take in dogs, and then with a little girl he knows. Unfortunately, the girl’s nanny insists she return the dog. Flike happily plays with some local children, and Umberto, believing he can let go, steps away, hoping one of them will adopt him. But despite his attempts to abandon Flike, the loyal dog tracks him down while hiding under a footbridge. In a moment of desperation, Umberto cradles Flike in his arms and heads toward an oncoming train. However, Flike, frightened by the impending danger, manages to escape his grip and runs away. Umberto instinctively chases after him, and although Flike initially hesitates, Umberto eventually coaxes him out by playing with a pine cone. Still without a home, Umberto wanders down the park lane, joyfully playing with his dog, symbolizing the enduring bond they share.
Timeline
Protest Against Pension Cuts
Senior citizens gather in a large organized protest, demanding better pensions to improve their living conditions. Among the protesters is Umberto D. Ferrari, a retired government employee struggling to make ends meet.
Eviction Threat
Upon returning home from the protest, Umberto finds his landlady has rented out his room to a young couple for an hour. She confronts him about his overdue rent and threatens eviction if he cannot pay the full fifteen thousand lire by the end of the month.
Desperate Measures
Facing eviction, Umberto sells his watch and some books to gather money for his rent. However, he only manages to collect a third of the amount needed, leading the landlady to refuse any partial payment.
Maid's Confession
The maid, who feels sympathy for Umberto, shares her troubles with him, revealing she is three months pregnant and doesn't know which of her two soldier lovers is the father. This moment highlights the interconnected struggles they both face.
Checking Into the Hospital
Umberto, feeling increasingly unwell, checks himself into the hospital. There, he is diagnosed with tonsillitis and spends a few days receiving treatment.
Return Home
After his discharge from the hospital, Umberto returns to find his living situation has significantly deteriorated. His landlady is preparing for marriage, and his room is under renovation, leaving it in chaos.
Flike's Escape
Umberto learns from the maid that his beloved dog, Flike, has escaped due to an open door during the renovations. Overcome with worry, he rushes out to find his pet.
Finding Flike
Umberto heads to the city pound, where he is relieved to find Flike safe. However, he faces further financial challenges as he searches for help from friends but receives no support.
Despair and Contemplation
Overwhelmed by despair and the thought of being homeless, Umberto contemplates suicide. However, he realizes he must first ensure Flike is taken care of before making any drastic decisions.
Finding a New Home for Flike
Umberto attempts to find a new home for Flike, first with a couple that takes in dogs and then with a little girl. Unfortunately, the girl's nanny insists that Flike must go back.
Moment of Letting Go
Umberto struggles with the decision to abandon Flike, believing it might be best for both of them. He steps away, hopeful one of the local children will adopt Flike.
Flike's Loyalty
Despite Umberto's attempts to let go, Flike's loyalty shines through as he tracks Umberto down under a footbridge. Their bond proves too strong to break, leading to a moment of relief for Umberto.
Chasing Danger
In a moment of despair, Umberto cradles Flike and heads towards an oncoming train, contemplating an end. Flike, sensing danger, escapes Umberto's grip, prompting a chase.
Playing with Hope
After some anxious moments, Umberto manages to coax Flike back using a pine cone. They share a joyful moment together, playing in a park, symbolizing the enduring love between them despite their hardships.
Finding Joy in Companionship
Wandering the park with Flike, Umberto embraces the fleeting joy of their shared companionship. Despite the uncertainty of their future, their bond offers him a glimmer of hope.
Characters
Umberto D. Ferrari (Carlo Battisti)
Umberto D. Ferrari is a retired civil servant grappling with poverty, eviction threats, and societal alienation. His character conveys resilience, as he navigates the complexities of his situation while striving to care for his dog, Flike. His journey reveals the deep emotional toll that financial instability takes on individuals during their twilight years.
Maid (Maria-Pia Casilio)
The maid is a sympathetic character who connects with Umberto through shared struggles. She brings a humanizing dimension to the film, revealing her own vulnerabilities while offering support to Umberto. Her pregnancy adds to the film’s examination of personal crises faced by individuals in challenging circumstances.
Flike
Flike is Umberto's loyal dog who embodies unwavering companionship and support throughout his owner's trials. His presence serves as a source of comfort for Umberto during moments of despair. The bond shared between them highlights the significance of loyalty and love in the face of adversity.
Setting
Time period
1950s
Set in the post-war 1950s, the movie illustrates the harsh realities faced by the elderly in a changing society. This era highlights the challenges of financial instability and the fragility of social support systems for retired individuals. The film reflects societal attitudes towards aging and poverty during this time.
Location
Apartment, City Pound, Park
The film primarily takes place in a cramped apartment where Umberto D. Ferrari struggles with his living conditions. The city pound serves as a pivotal location where Umberto reunites with his beloved dog, Flike. Additionally, the park represents a space of fleeting joy and connection between Umberto and Flike amidst their struggles.
Themes
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Isolation
Isolation is a central theme as Umberto faces financial ruin and eviction while contending with the indifference of those around him. His struggle to find companionship with his dog Flike underscores the loneliness experienced by the elderly. The film poignantly captures how isolation can affect one's mental state and the desperate need for connection.
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Loyalty
Umberto's relationship with his dog Flike exemplifies unwavering loyalty amidst adversity. Despite their dire circumstances, the bond between them represents love and companionship overcoming hardship. The film showcases how loyalty can provide solace and hope, even when everything seems lost.
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Desperation
Desperation permeates Umberto's journey as he grapples with financial constraints and existential threats. His contemplation of suicide highlights profound emotional struggles faced by those living in poverty. The desperate measures he considers reflect the lengths one might go to in order to secure a better future or to protect loved ones.
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