Truly, one of the greatest movies ever. I became so crazy about this (with barely legible subtitles) film, I rented it weekly - even though I owned it. Nothing wrong with the Godfather, but Gassman "the living glory of the Italian Theater" (and also a brilliant film actor of course) towers above, say for comparison ...any of the "great acting jobs" in the Godfather. Even my favorite actor, Marcello Mastroianni said Gassman was far the best actor in Italy. I'm told most of Dini's other films weren't 'that' great, but this is truly one of the great ones. When Gassman drops his playboy characters lifetime facade of "happy-go-lucky" and frowns, it's mindblowing and shocking. Tremendous! *Il Sorpasso, not at all like the Godfather, duh... I'm merely using that film as a reference point as so many feel it has the "greatest acting ever."
It is interesting the point he's making, that the duo of main characters is composed of both and introvert and an extrovert, I never noticed that. And I guess it's the best way for the writer to have the characters challenge each other ideas in a natural and constructive manner.
If you don't understand Italian then you have no idea of what movie you are missing. Subtitles do not come even close to translate the sharpness of the dialogues. This is a Five Megastars movie.
I suggest seeing "La Valigia dei Sogni", an italian tv series about the locations of old movies. The Il Sorpasso episode find all the movies locations today, and find out that, for example, since Roberto's actor wasn't yet casted, Gassman actually recites all his first scene in front of a field.
I felt a bit like the Trintignant character in Il Sorpasso a few years back when I arrived early for a screenwriting group meeting at Universal. While waiting for the speaker, a friendly, amusing man behind me started to help me with the New York Times crossword puzzle over my shoulder. Mr. Payne was the speaker. He was also the man behind me. I've waited for years for this DVD to be issued in the US and suspected that a (failed?) attempt at a studio remake a few years ago was responsible for quashing distribution of the original. I suspect the same thing happened to the original Heartbreak Kid which was unavailable (legally) while Ben Stiller was producing and distributing his remake of that film. But that's just speculation...
il Sorpasso…..masterpiece
Absolutely.
Oh god,this movie... goosebumps
Truly, one of the greatest movies ever. I became so crazy about this (with barely legible subtitles) film, I rented it weekly - even though I owned it.
Nothing wrong with the Godfather, but Gassman "the living glory of the Italian Theater" (and also a brilliant film actor of course) towers above, say for comparison ...any of the "great acting jobs" in the Godfather. Even my favorite actor, Marcello Mastroianni said Gassman was far the best actor in Italy.
I'm told most of Dini's other films weren't 'that' great, but this is truly one of the great ones. When Gassman drops his playboy characters lifetime facade of "happy-go-lucky" and frowns, it's mindblowing and shocking.
Tremendous!
*Il Sorpasso, not at all like the Godfather, duh... I'm merely using that film as a reference point as so many feel it has the "greatest acting ever."
I think he needs to mention Sideways one more time. I only counted 5
It is interesting the point he's making, that the duo of main characters is composed of both and introvert and an extrovert, I never noticed that. And I guess it's the best way for the writer to have the characters challenge each other ideas in a natural and constructive manner.
Just watched this. What an ending! Completely surpassed my expectations.
If you don't understand Italian then you have no idea of what movie you are missing. Subtitles do not come even close to translate the sharpness of the dialogues. This is a Five Megastars movie.
Very cool! Now that I think of it I can definitely see how this film influenced Sideways. Love both movies.
I suggest seeing "La Valigia dei Sogni", an italian tv series about the locations of old movies. The Il Sorpasso episode find all the movies locations today, and find out that, for example, since Roberto's actor wasn't yet casted, Gassman actually recites all his first scene in front of a field.
I felt a bit like the Trintignant character in Il Sorpasso a few years back when I arrived early for a screenwriting group meeting at Universal. While waiting for the speaker, a friendly, amusing man behind me started to help me with the New York Times crossword puzzle over my shoulder. Mr. Payne was the speaker. He was also the man behind me. I've waited for years for this DVD to be issued in the US and suspected that a (failed?) attempt at a studio remake a few years ago was responsible for quashing distribution of the original. I suspect the same thing happened to the original Heartbreak Kid which was unavailable (legally) while Ben Stiller was producing and distributing his remake of that film. But that's just speculation...
I love Alexander Payne movies (sideways is fantastic) and il sorpasso too.
An italian masterpiece, you can see the car Lancia Aurelia until June 2022, in Rome, in the Gassmann exibition.
the fact that this inspired sideways makes me like this movie even more
Side note: I would LOVE a criterion release of Sideways
Gassmann joix de vivre is contagious
Wonderful Film! I still long for Aunt Lidia and her loneliness and her long raven locks of hair.