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Dino RisiItalian film director, screenwriter, one of the leading comedians in Italy
Date of Birth: 23.12.1916
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Biography of Dino Risi
Dino Risi, an Italian film director and screenwriter, was one of Italy's leading comedy auteurs.
Early Life and Career
Dino Risi was born on December 23, 1916, in Milan, Italy. At the age of twelve, Risi became an orphan, but he was able to rebuild his life with the help of his relatives and family friends. He pursued a career in the film industry and started as an assistant director, working with iconic figures such as Mario Soldati and Alberto Lattuada. Later, Risi himself took on the role of director for his feature films, providing a platform for future stars such as Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman to shine.
Successful Films
Several of Risi's films became box office hits, including the comedy "Poor, But Handsome" (1957) starring Marisa Allasio and Maurizio Arena, along with its two sequels. He also achieved success with the war comedy "The Easy Life" (1961) featuring Alberto Sordi and Lea Massari, the dramedy "Il Sorpasso" (1962) with Vittorio Gassman, the film "The Monsters" (1963) with Ugo Tognazzi, and the dramedy "Scent of a Woman" (1974). In 1992, Risi's screenplay for "Scent of a Woman" was remade by director Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino in the lead role.
Later Career and Legacy
Risi continued to add to his directorial repertoire with notable films such as "Bread, Love and..." (1953), "Love in Rome" (1960), "The Matador" (1978), "Rome, Open City" (1945), "Thursday" (1964), "Dolls" (2002), "Gaucho" (1953), "Complexes" (1965), "Operation 'Saint January'" (1979), "Kill Me with Kisses" (1966), and "The Priest's Wife" (1971). In 1996, after directing television films like "Two Women" with Sophia Loren, "Adult Love" with Giancarlo Giannini, and "Please Don't Disturb," Risi made two films titled "Esercizi di stile" and "Giovani e belli."
Risi retired from filmmaking in 2002 but remained involved in the industry as a screenwriter, director, and narrator for the television comedy "Miss Italy" starring Christiana Filangieri and Alessandra Meloni. In the same year, he received the prestigious Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival in recognition of his contribution to cinema.
Death and Legacy
Dino Risi passed away on June 7, 2008, at the age of 91, in his home in Rome, Italy. He left behind two children, Marco and Claudio. Alongside Mario Monicelli, Nanni Loy, Luigi Comencini, and Ettore Scola, he was one of the brightest masters in the genre of Italian comedy. Risi's films continue to be celebrated for their humor, social commentary, and lasting impact on Italian cinema.
