As a youth, Renato Val lanzasca helped free a tiger from captivity in a circus. He was sent to reform school, which he called “good training for my future.”
How true, we discover in “Angel of Evil,” an Italian thriller based on the real-life exploits of Vallanzasca, a Milanese crime boss who became a folk hero to many.
Over four decades, he was responsible for multiple kidnappings, bank robberies and murders. He was repeatedly jailed — and just as often escaped.
Channeling Al Pacino, Kim Rossi Stuart gives a dynamic performance as the charismatic Vallanzasca, whose macho exploits got women all hot and bothered.
Writer-director Michele Placido (a former cop) provides nearly nonstop action — lots of car chases, shootouts and sex — and the cinematography by Arnaldo Catinari makes for gritty eye candy.
What is missing is any sort of psychological insight. Just what made Renato run? You won’t find out here.