Regarded by many as
Dino Risi's finest film, The Easy Life (Il Sorpasso) casts
Vittorio Gassman as Bruno, a jaded, aging roue, who introduces young Roberto Mariani
Jean-Louis Trintignant to his hedonistic lifestyle.. Previously a man with a purpose in life, Roberto soon becomes as wanton and wastrelly as Bruno. The older man is proud of his handiwork--until tragedy strikes. Risi sagaciously sets his moral fable against the beauties of the Riviera; we may not approve of Bruno's lifestyle, but we certainly understand why it appeals to him. Among the screenwriters of The Easy Life was Ettora Scola, a frequent
Dino Risi and
Vittorio De Sica collaborator and an excellent director in his own right. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide