Castiglioncello and the film “Il Sorpasso”: a journey between dream and reality

Some films don’t just tell a story—they capture the spirit of an entire era. Il Sorpasso, directed by Dino Risi in 1962, is one such masterpiece. And Castiglioncello, with its winding curves and breathtaking views, provided the perfect backdrop for its narrative.

Bruno Cortona’s convertible, driven with panache by the inimitable Vittorio Gassman, races along the coastal road in a journey that is far more than mere escapism. It’s a celebration of life, a dive into its contradictions, with Castiglioncello serving as the scenic mirror to these emotions.

Dino Risi chose this corner of Tuscany knowing that every element—the sunlight, the green pine forests, the deep blue sea—would contribute to an unparalleled atmosphere. The scenes shot along the promontory capture not only the natural beauty of Castiglioncello but also its essence: a lightness that masks an unexpected depth.

And then there’s the contrast between the two protagonists: Gassman’s charismatic boldness versus Jean-Louis Trintignant’s shy introspection. Together, they navigate those roads as though they were metaphors for life itself, with sudden ascents and unforeseen descents.

To watch Il Sorpasso today is to be transported back to an Italy on the brink of change, looking to the future with excitement while still holding onto its past. Castiglioncello, with its timeless beauty, remains there, unchanged, reminding us that certain places never stop telling stories—even sixty years later.

The promontory, the roads skirting the sea, the sunsets that seem like paintings—everything in Castiglioncello invites you to pause, breathe, and be captivated, just as the film’s characters were and as audiences continue to be moved by those unforgettable scenes.