Thank you everyone who watched our first Film Club at Home film, Vittorio De Sica’s Umberto D. We’ve received some lovely feedback via the website, email and social media.
There was a lot of love for Umberto’s dog Flike…
finally got twitter from extreme procrastination. also i can tweet about the films i’ve been watching in quarantine. first one, Umberto D: @tpfilmclub which was great/sad/beautiful - Flike broke my heart 💔 pic.twitter.com/ODcQv4ZgmF
— Stephanie Davis (@___stph___) March 25, 2020
The Rome locations clearly resonated with many…
Vicky Guedalla emailed us
What a terrific film! I loved it. My greatest highlight was part shot around the Pantheon. It had a particular resonance for me because I have a flight booked to Rome next month for the express purpose of being at the Pantheon on the 21 April, which by tradition is the anniversary of the founding of Rome. The building of the Pantheon was completed under Emperor Hadrian in the early second century AD. Its only source of light is through the open oculus high in the dome. At midday on 21 April the sun streams through in such a way as to hit the metal grille above the door and flood the entrance and area in front with light. It is believed Hadrian would appear there, bathed in light, to accept the adulation of the crowd celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the city, just where Umberto makes his failed attempts to beg in the film. So poignant, but some consolation to me for the disappointment of being unable to get there this year.
As did Robert Graham-Harrison
Kathy and I were there with you, virtually, in The Lord Palmerston last night. We both thought Umberto D was superb - a deserved classic which I had long heard of and intended to see but wasn’t sure I’d ever get round to. So it was especially satisfying to get there at last. An unusual theme but, as you said, powerful and moving. Also interesting to see again, hard on the heels of Rome Open City, post-war Rome.
I liked the way some of the great monuments, like the Pantheon (looking, not surprisingly, a bit dilapidated), just casually appeared in the background from time to time without being flaunted. I was interested in your point about the cast - as in the recently shown People on a Sunday, being almost all amateurs. I thought they were terrific, especially Umberto. Also Napoleon/Flike, the pro dog!
More reactions on Twitter
enjoyed only my second ever TFPC screening last night, from the comfort of my sofa - Vittorio De Sica's Umberto D. Beautiful film, it's been resonating throughout the day. Great performances all round, but in a way I thought Rome was the star of the show.
— Matthew Shorter (@lifestooshorter) March 27, 2020
I also recommended it to an Italian friend who is in isolation at home in Florence, it was brilliant to have a way of connecting with each other. So you have now extended the film club not only to south London but also to Italy.
— Matthew Shorter (@lifestooshorter) March 27, 2020
Tom Schuller wrote this comment on the website
Found it strange but fascinating in its way - the life of a solitary pensioner is interesting as a topic for those days (with much resonance for today). The hospital scene was a gas. We thought we could see why Bergman was so taken by it - issues around choice. glad to have seen it, especially under these circumstances.
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