Review of Umberto D. (1952) by Ivan D — 25 Sep 2008

[color=black][b]Throne of Blood (Kurosawa, 1957)[/b] ****1/2.

What a fantastic movie. Toshiro Mifune gave a phenomenal performance, Isuzu Yamada [i]nailed[/i] her role of Asagi (she was the perfect vision of Lady Macbeth, IMO) and Kurosawa's direction was amazing, especially how he added tension to certain scenes, such as when [SPOILER]Washizu and his men are about to enter Spider's Web Castle with the Great Lord's coffin, and when Washizu first sees Miki's ghost.[/SPOILER][/color].

[color=black]Overall, an amazing film, and a new entry in my top 5.

[b]Umberto D (De Sica, 1952)[/b] ***.

[size=2]Carlo Battisti gave a good performance, I could sympathize with the character of Umberto, and I like the pace of the film. However, the relationship between Umberto and the maid captivated me the most, and everything else did nothing for me. Plus, I felt a lack of an emotional punch. Some may have felt it, but I didn't. Also, I didn?t like the ending. It just?.ended. [/size][font=Verdana]Still, I enjoyed it.[/font].

[b]The Producers (Brooks, 1968)[/b] ***.

Not much to say about this one...but it was entertaining and nothing more.

[b]F For Fake (Welles, 1976)[/b] ***1/2.

It made me think so much my head almost exploded. But that was a good thing. Also, Welles's narrative is nothing short of amazing, especially when he tells the story of Oja Kodar and Picasso's 22 paintings, and when he recites passages from Kipling.

"It's pretty......but is it art?".

[b]Eyes Without A Face (Franju, 1960)[/b] ****1/2.

What a terrifying film. The film was beautifully shot, and I loved the atmosphere; I could feel the tension and dread during most of the film. The face operation will forever be embedded into my memory as one of the most horrifying scenes I've ever seen. Only a rushed ending kept this film from being perfect.

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