Dino Risi's entry into the film industry was a serendipitous encounter with Alberto Lattuada at a friend's boutique in 1940. Lattuada informed Risi that they required an assistant director for their upcoming movie, Piccolo mondo antico, released in 1941. Initially, Risi accepted the position as a lark, without any serious intention of pursuing a career in filmmaking.
Subsequently, Risi pursued a career in psychiatry, concurrently writing articles for a local newspaper in his spare time. However, the course of his life took an unexpected turn after World War II, when he met a producer who financed his short films.
One of these short films, Buio in sala, released in 1950, caught the attention of renowned producer Carlo Ponti, who subsequently acquired the rights to the film. This pivotal moment marked a turning point for Risi, as he decided to dedicate himself to film direction.
Risi relocated to Rome and penned the script for Poor But Beautiful, which catapulted him to fame in 1957. Nonetheless, it was Il sorpasso, released in 1962, that had a profound impact on his life. The film's opening night was met with concern, as the theater was nearly empty. Risi and producer Mario Cecchi Gori were left waiting outside, feeling disheartened.
However, fate had other plans. The next day, all tickets were sold out, and Risi's career was forever transformed. This unexpected success propelled him to stardom, cementing his status as a renowned film director.
