Umberto D.: the simplicity of Vittorio De Sica’s film begins in its title; it presents the focus of the story without any shred of a doubt. It’s not the story of its time and place, but of the central character (who happens to live in that time and place). Carlo Battisti plays him with touching simplicity, and makes the connection all the more powerful for it. The result is a very emotional and humane journey. G.R. Aldo’s camerawork is unadorned, but far […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: drama

Boyhood: Richard Linklater shows in this film that he is well aware that the most special effect is the story; furthermore, that the story can be unadorned, as long as it’s earnest and well-told. There’s nothing that is as rich as life itself, after all; there’s nothing that suggests more how engaging this film is than the fact that the periods that aren’t on the screen are missed. The tenacity behind this project is incredible, but that wouldn’t amount to […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: drama