Renato Pozzetto: reviews, works and a dash of cabaret

The Profile

Renato Pozzetto (born July 14, 1940) is an Italian actor, comedian, cabaret artist, singer, screenwriter and director. Rising from Milan’s cabaret scene with Cochi Ponzoni as Cochi & Renato, he moved to TV and cinema, starring in numerous comedies and directing several films. He also published the autobiography “Ne uccide più la gola che la sciarpa.”

Key figure of Milanese cabaret and the duo Cochi & Renato; collaborations with Enzo Jannacci; TV shows included Quelli della domenica and Canzonissima; film debut as lead in Per amare Ofelia; notable titles include Il ragazzo di campagna and 7 chili in 7 giorni; appeared in Pupi Avati’s Lei mi parla ancora (2021); participated in motorsport events such as the 1978 Giro d’Italia (with Riccardo Patrese) and the 1987 Paris–Dakar.

Four DeBaser reviews sketch Pozzetto as a beloved Milanese comic who split his time between cabaret, TV and film. The autobiography is praised as candid and brisk. Saxofone is oddball and uneven but essential for fans. Papà dice messa gets panned for abysmal quality despite Teocoli’s laughs. Un amore su misura surprises with a darker, convincing turn.

Notable Quotes

❝ "I was in the dark. There was humidity. Silence. Then, suddenly, someone turned on the light. I don't know if they washed me afterward. Then I saw my mom. Beautiful, gorgeous. It was July 14, 1940. It was the day of my birth."

❝ … This film is a true delirium! It is probably the least known film of Pozzetto, as well as his directorial debut.

❝ The quality of the film is abysmal, with immense peaksof lowbrow humor (see the area of prostitution with a trailer that overturns due to the daring nature of a client with a professional).