Il sorpasso
Il Sorpasso - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Ah Robbè, che te frega delle tristezze, lo sai qual è l'età più bella? Te lo dico io qual è. È quella che uno c'ha. Giorno per giorno. Fino a quanno schiatta se capisce.
— Bruno Cortona
Context:
Bruno says this to Roberto during their journey, trying to coax him out of his pensive and worried state of mind. It's a key moment where he articulates his core belief system, which stands in stark contrast to Roberto's life of careful planning and study.
Meaning:
Translation: 'Ah Robby, who cares about sadness? Do you know what the best age is? I'll tell you what it is. It's the one you have. Day by day. Until you kick the bucket, of course.' This line perfectly encapsulates Bruno's carpe diem philosophy. It is both his charismatic mantra and the justification for his reckless, irresponsible lifestyle, portraying life as a series of moments to be seized without thought for past or future.
Allora lo conosce bene: la prima impressione che si ha di lui è quella giusta.
— Gianna (Bruno's wife)
Context:
Gianna says this to Roberto after he admits he only met Bruno that morning. Her weary, cynical assessment punctures the mystique Bruno has built around himself throughout the trip.
Meaning:
Translation: 'Then you know him well: the first impression one has of him is the right one.' Spoken by Bruno's estranged wife, this line provides a crucial, sobering perspective on his character. It confirms to Roberto (and the audience) that Bruno's charismatic but shallow and unreliable surface is not a mask for hidden depths, but is, in fact, his true nature.
Sembra di essere in Inghilterra. / Per la campagna? / No, è che viaggiamo sempre sulla sinistra…
— Roberto Mariani / Bruno Cortona
Context:
This witty back-and-forth happens in the car as Bruno performs another one of his signature risky overtaking maneuvers ('il sorpasso'), a recurring motif throughout their journey.
Meaning:
Translation: 'It feels like being in England.' / 'Because of the countryside?' / 'No, because we're always driving on the left…' This exchange is a darkly comedic commentary on Bruno's dangerous driving. Roberto's dry observation highlights the constant risk Bruno takes by driving in the oncoming lane to overtake others, foreshadowing the tragic ending.