Movies about Umbrella
Rain is considered to be a key element of cinema. At some point in our lives, we have all watched a film with a scene set in the rain, that has deeply affected us. Rain is cathartic; it transcends our emotions and expresses our innermost feelings.
Rain has symbolised the expression of love in Matchpoint by Woody Allen, seduction in In The Mood for Love by Wong Kar-Wi, hatred in American Beauty by Sam Mendes, and the expression of sadness or grief in films like Watchmen by Zach Snyder or in numerous Disney films wherein weather mirrors the emotions of the characters.
But what about umbrellas? They’re an accessory so essential in daily life to face the rain, but where are they in films? What is the influence of umbrellas in movies? What do they symbolise?
Let’s start with the most classic umbrellas scenes
Two must-see references to umbrellas in movies.
The first of these films is one that makes immediate reference to umbrellas in its title: Les Parapluies de Cherbourg by Jacques Demy and his eponymous umbrella shop. The city of Cherbourg delightfully showered with rain throughout the film, is a magnificent setting to highlight umbrellas of all colours. We can notably recall the opening scene, with all the colourful umbrellas seen from above, outlining a poetic and dynamic city in this iconic musical.
On the subject of musical comedies, it’s impossible to not mention that which is possibly the most celebrated scene in the history of cinema: the grand musical number in the rain in the film Singin’ in the Rain by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. Gene Kelly, brimming with loving candour, does not have the same relationship with the umbrella that we often see. The object loses its utility throughout the scene, as it appears that he has no intention to protect himself from the rain. This introduces an important message: the umbrella is a source of fun and undoubtedly allows us to appreciate the rain, whether it covers us or not.
Beyond these fictional visions of umbrellas, umbrellas can be symbolic in other ways.
Umbrellas and anonymity in a crowd
Umbrellas can be highlighted as the centre of attention in films, but they can also be used for the opposite purpose. An umbrella is a cover in all senses of the word: it covers us from the rain but can also cover us from the sight of others. This effect is exacerbated in crowds, where it has become more common to see umbrellas used to create a sense of anonymity.
This can also be seen in movies. There are two examples that come to mind, where we see crowds densely packed with umbrellas, and aesthetic photography often taken from above. We think of the umbrellas from Minority Report by Steven Spielberg, in colour, or the crowds shot in black and white in The Foreign Correspondent by Alfred Hitchcock. In these two cases, the raised umbrellas present a clever loophole. We’ll let you watch the movies to find out how.
On the other hand, not having an umbrella in a rainy city can symbolise a certain isolation, like in the case of Harrison Ford, lonely and without an umbrella in the omnipresent showers of Blade Runner by Ridley Scott.
Umbrellas and poetry
On a lighter note, umbrellas are not always laden with such heavy meanings. They can sometimes be used to simply participate in the poetry of a plot.
When we think of a poetic umbrella, the image that comes to mind, straight from our imagination is My Neighbour Totoro by Studio Ghibli. Pure and contemplative poetry, and a natural and touching lyricism: All under an umbrella.
But if we think of daydreams and imagination, one of the most famous examples of umbrellas in cinema cannot be excluded! Mary Poppins doesn’t need the rain for her to take out her umbrella. When she flies up and away, our emotions follow her, and we are suddenly in the clouds with her…
Umbrellas and combat
After reflecting on the touching and poetic aspects of umbrellas, we will conclude this article on a more anecdotal note. Umbrellas can also be used as a weapon.
Less dreamy, but certainly more efficient, umbrellas in some films are not only used to battle the weather, but foes as well. For this, we must look at some famous examples in acclaimed British films.
We can recall Hagrid in Harry Potter, who hides his wand in his umbrella, giving a surprisingly threatening twist to our favourite accessory.
But most recently, a big production brought classic British elegance back into style: Kingsman by Matthew Vaughn. In this film, umbrellas are the perfect gadgets for the stylishly dressed and highly skilled spies. Though we may not use our umbrellas in the same way, one thing is for sure: an umbrella is a wonderfully useful tool that deserves to be innovated.
Sometimes elegant, sometimes poetic, sometimes practical… Umbrellas in movies, in every form, perfectly corroborate our point of view as the perfect compromise between practicality and aesthetics.
Movies about Umbrella
Gene Kelly’s absolutely iconic dance sequence in “Singin’ in the Rain” is a joyous celebration of love and happiness, not even the rain can bring him down. The umbrella remains to be an iconic piece throughout the film and becomes more of a prop than an umbrella.
The umbrella shown in this film is similar to our Wood Walking umbrella, classic and sleek in design it’s the perfect accessory for a rainy day. We worked with a theatre production company and produced some beautiful umbrellas to celebrate the production.
Mary Poppins (1964)
In the incredible world of “Mary Poppins,” the titular character uses her magical umbrella to take flight. The iconic image of Mary Poppins descending from the sky, umbrella in hand, has become an emblem of imagination and childhood wonder, leaving audiences captivated and inspired for generations and for many more to come. The quirky handle gives the umbrella it’s unique character. Here at the Umbrella Workshop, we offer an array of colourful umbrella handles and personalisation options for your custom umbrellas.
Série Harry Potter (2001-2011)
In the wizarding world of Harry Potter, Hagrid makes his first appearance on Harry’s birthday holding his, seemingly ordinary, pink umbrella. Though, seemingly ordinary, the umbrella conceals Hagrid’s wand, reflecting his gentle nature and unexpected power. This umbrella symbolizes the strength and surprises that can be found in the most unassuming places.
Hagrid’s umbrella also seems to be a classic Wood Walking umbrella, a very popular and traditional looking sturdy and storm-tested umbrella, it’s no surprise that they often appear as props in many popular films.
Jak jsem poznal vaši matku (2005-2014)
Throughout the TV series “How I Met Your Mother,” the yellow umbrella serves as a recurring symbol and narrative thread. From Ted’s quest for true love to the ultimate reveal of the Mother, the iconic umbrella represents hope, fate, and the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives.
This fabulous and incredibly iconic umbrella is very similar to our City Walking umbrellas. With a black, silicone hook handle, automatic opening and a smaller canopy size than the Golf umbrellas, they are perfect for busy streets.
Batman se vrací (1992)
In Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns,” The Penguin (played by Danny DeVito) wields an umbrella as a signature weapon. From firing bullets to deploying hidden gadgets, this iconic umbrella becomes a lethal and distinctive tool, accentuating the Penguin’s sinister persona.
We love the print on The Penguin’s umbrella canopy, and at the Umbrella Workshop we have 10+ years of experience in creating and replicating incredibly complex and unique umbrella designs. Down to delicate intricate details and specific branding colours.
Spirited Away (2001)
In the enchanting world of “Spirited Away,” umbrellas play a whimsical and significant role. As the young protagonist Chihiro navigates the spirit realm, she encounters an array of umbrellas that come to life. These animated umbrellas move gracefully, with vibrant colours and expressive faces, adding an extra touch of magic to the fantastical world created by Studio Ghibli. The umbrellas in “Spirited Away” not only provide shelter from the rain but also embody the imaginative and fantastical nature of the film, further immersing the audience into a world filled with wonder and enchantment.
The Umbrella Academy (2019–dosud)
In this popular Netflix series, the umbrella takes on a central role as each member of the dysfunctional superhero family, collectively known as The Umbrella Academy, carries their own unique umbrella. These umbrellas not only serve as individual symbols but also represent the unity and shared history of the characters.
Umbrellas have played prominent roles in film and television, transcending their practical function to become powerful symbols, sources of joy, and even weapons. From Gene Kelly’s iconic umbrella dance in “Singin’ in the Rain” to the magical flights of Mary Poppins, these top 10 umbrella moments have left a lasting impression on audiences, showcasing the creativity and symbolism that can be found in even the simplest of objects. Whether through dance, flight, or wielding hidden gadgets, these umbrella moments have become cherished moments in cinematic and television history, proving that umbrellas are not just rainy day accessories but icons of storytelling and imagination.
Experts in bespoke umbrella manufacture, we can also supply branded merchandise for your portfolio. Find out more about sustainable branded products from Wurlin or custom made bags to compliment your branded umbrellas can be manufactured by The Bag Workshop.
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Top 10 Umbrella Moments
To coincide with the first spell of April Showers, AnOther present the top 10 umbrella moments on film
Umbrellas turn up throughout our social history, from Charles Dickens’ depiction of an umbrella-weilding Mrs Gamp in Martin Chuzzlewit to the Russian spy Georgi Markov who was killed by the poisoned tip of an umbrella in 1978 on Waterloo Bridge. Rene Magritte’s Golconda (1953), featuring men carrying umbrellas as they drift down through the sky, is a symbolic benchmark for surrealism, while Marilyn Monroe was famously photographed by Andre De Dienes in 1949 carrying a red spotted parasol. There is even the notable ‘Umbrella Man’ conspiracy, linking a man opening an umbrella on a dry day with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Here AnOther pick our Top 10 Umbrella Moments na obrazovce.
Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Jacque Demy described his 1964 classic The Umbrellas of Cherbourg as “a film in song.” The opera, which turns 50 this year, indulges the style and ideals of the decade, as characters weave in and out of pop-art backdrops and vibrant colours in trench coats, ballet pumps, pastel twinsets and ribbon-tied bouffants, melodically telling the doomed love story of young Genevieve who falls for a mechanic she meets whilst working in her mother’s chic, but financially troubled, umbrella shop. The film launched the career of Catharine Deneuve, who has become internationally known for her portrayal of aloof, mysterious beauties.
Železná opice (1993)
Iron Monkey perhaps demonstrates the most unorthodox use of an umbrella. Under Yeun Wo-Ping’s direction, Wong Fei-Hung learns to fight using his father’s umbrella. The film is a spin-off to the Once Upon a Time in China series, in which Jet Li as character Wong Li Hung also wards off a pack of thugs with an umbrella in one of the strongest fight scenes in Kung Fu cinematic history.
Withnail & I (1987)
The final moments of Withnail & I features Withnail reciting Hamlet’s soliloquy as he stands forlorn in the rain in Regents park, holding his umbrella defiantly. «What a piece of work is man,» he proclaims. The original ending for the British cult classic showed Withnail then taking his own life with a handgun, however this was later shelved for being too morbid.
Zpívání v dešti (1952)
Easily one of the most well-known songs in musical history, Singing in the Rain is a blithe depiction of Hollywood during the 1920s. Starring and directed by Gene Kelly, the film’s lead song is the greatest PR that a raincloud has ever received, with the iconic image of Kelly swinging from a lamppost as he dances his umbrella up a street forever etched on cinematic history.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Audrey Heburn’s iconic Ascot outfit in My Fair Lady features a frothy white lace parasol umbrella, designed by the legendary Cecil Beaton. It has since become the predominant image associated with he film and considered one of Beaton’s greatest works. Hepburn plays flower girl Eliza Doolittle in this film adaption of the Lerner and Loewe musical of the same name, in which Professor Henry Higgens wagers that he can turn her into a duchess.
Between Showers (1914)
This classic Charlie Chaplin silent film sees Chaplin jostle with another man, Sterling, in an attempt to help the beautiful Lady in Distress Emma Bell Clifton cross the road. A stolen umbrella and plenty of Chaplin’s signature comic fisty-cuff slips and tumbles make this an umbrella classic.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Along with her magical carpet bag, the parrot-head umbrella that Mary Poppins holds as she parachutes through the sky has become one of the most recognised umbrellas in cinematic history. The film was released in 1964 and turns 50 this year, is often referred to as Disney’s finest achievement, based on P.L Travers’ books of the same name. Walt Disney reportedly pursued Travers for twenty years before she agreed to option the book to him.
Ztraceno v překladu (2003)
Scarlett Johansson walking through the rainy streets of Tokyo carrying her transparent umbrella is an iconic image in Sofia Coppola’s minimalist romantic comedy, which shows the strange, burgeoning friendship between Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Johansson).
Žlutá ponorka (1968)
A pop-culture milepost, Yellow Submarine is an animated film starring the Beatles. The trippy cartoon takes the four on a psychedelic journey through Pepperland, an underwater fantasy world, aided by an iconic soundtrack provided by the band. The Eleanor Rigby scene features a series of silhouetted men in bowler hats and trenchcoats carrying umbrellas, to the poignant lyrics, ‘all the lonely people.’
BladeRunner (1982)
Featuring futuristic umbrellas with a light-up shaft, the ‘Lampbrella’ has become an iconic prop from the film, released in 1982. The dystopian sci-fi thriller featuring Harrison Ford has gained a cult following, acting as an influential benchmark for science fiction and visual effect movies. In recent years people have jokingly referred to the ‘Blade Runner Curse’, as companies that invested in product placement within the film have since weathered grim hardship (Atari, Bell, Pan Am).
Batman se vrací
Played by Danny DeVito, Penguin’s batcave lair in The Batman Returns is decorated with a sinister collection of umbrellas that double up as weaponry. The story goes that Penguin’s father died of pneumonia in a rainstorm and he has carried an umbrella ever since. His collection includes umbrella handles instilled with radio transmitters, guns, blades and explosives.
The restored 50th anniversary edition of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is available now.
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