Il tassinaro (1983)
A beloved Italian comedy in which Alberto Sordi plays a Roman taxi driver whose daily fares become a parade of unforgettable human encounters.
Il tassinaro - Movie Information
- Original Title: Il tassinaro
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Alberto Sordi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 21, 1983 (Italy - T)
- Production Companies: Italian International Film
- Production Countries: Italy
Il tassinaro - Plot
Pietro Marchetti, a mature Roman taxi driver, has countless and interesting meetings while he is on duty with his car "Zara 87".
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Il tassinaro - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alberto Sordi
Main Cast
- Alberto Sordi
- Liù Bosisio
- Giorgio Gobbi
- Anna Longhi
- Jason Piccioni
- Angelo Villa
- Alessandra Mussolini
- Marilù Tolo
- Giulio Andreotti
- Federico Fellini
Writers
- Agenore Incrocci
- Furio Scarpelli
- Alberto Sordi
Producers
- Fulvio Lucisano
Il tassinaro - FAQs
What is Il tassinaro about?
Il tassinaro follows Pietro Marchetti, a seasoned Roman taxi driver navigating the colorful chaos of the city from behind the wheel of his cab, "Zara 87". Each fare brings a new encounter — comic, poignant, or absurd — painting a vivid portrait of everyday Roman life in the early 1980s.
Did real public figures appear in Il tassinaro?
Yes — and that's one of the film's most memorable quirks. Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and legendary director Federico Fellini both appear as themselves, stepping into Pietro's cab for brief but delightful cameos that blur the line between fiction and reality.
Who directed and starred in Il tassinaro?
Alberto Sordi wore both hats — directing the film and playing the lead role of Pietro Marchetti. One of Italy's most beloved comic actors, Sordi brought his signature warmth and wit to the character, making Pietro feel like a genuine slice of Roman soul.
Is Il tassinaro an episodic film?
Very much so. The film unfolds as a series of vignettes, each centered on a different passenger climbing into Pietro's taxi. This anthology-style structure — a classic of Italian comedy — lets the story roam freely across social classes, personalities, and situations without a single rigid plot thread.
Who are the main actors in Il tassinaro?
Alberto Sordi leads the cast as Pietro Marchetti, joined by Liù Bosisio, Anna Longhi, Giorgio Gobbi, Alessandra Mussolini, and Marilù Tolo. Real-life personalities Giulio Andreotti and Federico Fellini also appear as themselves, adding an extra layer of charm to the ensemble.
Is Il tassinaro worth watching for fans of Italian cinema?
Absolutely. For anyone who loves Italian commedia all'italiana, this film is a treat. Alberto Sordi is at his most endearing, and the episodic format keeps things fresh and lively. It's a warm, funny, and affectionate snapshot of Rome and its people during the early 1980s.
Who wrote the screenplay for Il tassinaro?
The script was co-written by Alberto Sordi alongside the celebrated duo Agenore Incrocci and Furio Scarpelli — two of Italian cinema's most prolific screenwriters, known for their sharp wit and deep understanding of Italian social comedy. It's a collaboration that shows in every scene.
What are some films similar to Il tassinaro?
If Il tassinaro's taxi-cab vignette style appeals to you, check out Night on Earth (1991) by Jim Jarmusch — a clear thematic cousin. Too Bad She's Bad (1954) and 2 Days in Paris (2007) also share that breezy, character-driven comedy spirit set against a vivid urban backdrop.
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