Michele Placido

The Profile

Michele Placido is an Italian actor and film director known for Romanzo Criminale (2005), Il grande sogno (2009), and Vallanzasca – Gli angeli del male (2010). As an actor, he became widely recognized for playing Inspector Corrado Cattani in the TV series La Piovra.

Born 1946 in Ascoli Satriano (Foggia), Italy. Active as both actor and director, with a focus on crime and political dramas set in contemporary Italian history.

Reviewers see Placido’s Romanzo Criminale as gripping, character-driven crime cinema with standout performances, though a bit long. Il Grande Sogno is framed as autobiographical and visually strong, with mixed notes on historical depth and acting. Vallanzasca earns praise on rewatch for pace, period look, soundtrack, and Kim Rossi Stuart’s lead turn, despite a fragmented script.