Watch The Easy Life

The Easy Life is a 1962 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Dino Risi. The movie follows the adventures of three young men, each with a different approach to life, as they navigate through the social and economic landscape of Rome in the 1960s. The film stars Vittorio Gassman as Bruno, a hedonistic and narcissistic journalist who is always looking for the next fun experience. Catherine Spaak plays Roberto, a wealthy and immature playboy who is never satisfied with what he has. Jean-Louis Trintignant rounds out the trio as Fausto, a struggling intellectual writer who is constantly grappling with his own insecurities and inadequacies.

The three characters are united by their desire to live the easy life, to indulge their every whim and desire without any consideration for the consequences. However, their world of endless pleasure and instant gratification is ultimately revealed to be shallow and meaningless, as they discover that true happiness cannot be found through material possessions and empty pleasures.

Throughout the movie, the trio's escapades take them from dazzling parties and extravagant dinners to the dingy streets of Rome, where they engage with an array of colorful characters who represent the various strata of Italian society. Along the way, they interact with a rich cast of supporting characters, from Bruno's long-suffering girlfriend to Fausto's devoted but flawed mother.

What sets The Easy Life apart from other social satire films of its time is its unapologetic and scathing critique of the societal norms and values of post-war Italy. The film excoriates the cult of celebrity and the superficiality of consumer culture, as well as the traditional structures of family and gender roles that are under scrutiny during Italy's economic boom. The characters' excesses and vices are not just harmless eccentricities, but symptoms of a larger societal malaise that threatens to undermine the very foundations of Italy's post-WWII prosperity.

Despite its heavy themes, The Easy Life is a highly entertaining and engaging film, full of witty dialogue, memorable characters, and hilarious set-pieces. The chemistry between Gassman, Trintignant, and Spaak is palpable, and the three actors give memorable performances that bring out the depth and complexity of their respective characters.

Ultimately, The Easy Life is a timeless classic that transcends its time and place, offering a biting critique of the human condition that is as relevant today as it was over half a century ago. It is a must-see for anyone who loves Italian cinema, and a perfect introduction to the world of Dino Risi, one of Italy's most celebrated filmmakers.