Salvatore Ruocco’s Captivating Performance in ‘Padre Pio’: A Masterful Portrayal That Touches Hearts and Souls
Salvatore Ruocco, the talented Italian actor known for his captivating performances, has mesmerized audiences once again in the feature film “Padre Pio” directed by the renowned Abel Ferrara. Portraying the character of Vincenzo, Ruocco takes us on a gripping journey through the aftermath of World War I and the troubled town of San Giovanni Rotondo. In an exclusive interview, conducted in early 2023, Ruocco shares his experiences working on the film, collaborating with Ferrara, and his thoughts on the intriguing story of Padre Pio.
Padre Pio is a 2022 biographical film co-written and directed by Abel Ferrara, featuring Shia LaBeouf in the title role as Padre Pio, a Capuchin Franciscan priest known for receiving the stigmata. Venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, Padre Pio’s story is central to the film. During the production, Shia LaBeouf underwent a spiritual transformation that led to his conversion to Catholicism.
The film premiered on 2 September 2022 at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the Giornate degli Autori “Director’s Award.” It was also showcased at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival and entered the competition for the “Best Film Award” at the Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival. Its North American premiere at the Mammoth Film Festival earned it the “Achievement for Filmmaking” award for cinematography. Additionally, the film premiered in Italian at the Taormina Film Festival.
Padre Pio was released in the United States on 2 June 2023 by Gravitas Ventures and later in Italy on 18 July 2024 through RS Productions.
Ruocco’s connection with Ferrara began in prior films, leading to the director handpicking him for the role of Vincenzo in “Padre Pio.” Ruocco explains, “Ferrara already knows me because I’ve worked with him several times. He gave me the role of Vincenzo because he thought it was right for me. Ferrara is very fussy when it comes to choosing actors.”
While the film is set in Monte Sant’Angelo in Puglia, Ruocco’s hometown of Naples is quite far away. Despite the distance, he found the experience enriching. He shares, “I did not know Monte Sant’Angelo, but it is a beautiful country, really beautiful.”
Ruocco delves into his character Vincenzo, describing him as a decorated war hero who suffers from an inferiority complex with the bourgeois masters. Vincenzo’s story unfolds against the backdrop of political turmoil and his desire to marry Giovanna, a woman whose husband hasn’t returned from the war. Ruocco dedicated himself to the role, studying the character’s entire story and undergoing physical transformations. “I had to work out to get used to looking with one eye and lose 20 pounds because Abel wanted me to be thinner,” he shares. Additionally, Ruocco had to deliver his lines in English, adding another layer of challenge to his portrayal.
Ruocco expresses his admiration and gratitude for Abel Ferrara, referring to him as his mentor. Their professional collaboration extends beyond the set, with Ruocco visiting Ferrara’s home and maintaining regular communication. “Sometimes we write to each other. I never stop studying him, he is a genius. I am honored to have worked with Abel Ferrara,” Ruocco shares fondly.
Ruocco reflects on the film’s intriguing narrative, highlighting its roots in a forgotten chapter of Italian history. He explains, “Abel dusts off an episode now forgotten for years, namely: The murder of San Giovanni Rotondo. It was the birth of fascism..It’s about the Holy Father Pio; he was great.” The film explores this captivating story, shedding light on historical events that deserve remembrance.
Although Ruocco’s character does not share scenes with Shia LaBeouf, he speaks highly of the American actor’s performance. “I met Shia, and I think he’s a good guy. He is also a very good actor. He did a great interpretation in “Padre Pio,” Ruocco acknowledges.
Ruocco had the opportunity to discuss his character with the film’s writers, Maurizio Braucci and Abel Ferrara. They allowed him to contribute creatively to his portrayal. Ruocco shares, “We talked about my character. Maurizio Braucci was very present, and I spoke a lot with him, but also with Ferrara.”
While attending a gathering hosted in honor of the film “Padre Pio” at the Venice Film Festival, the actor reminisced about a memorable encounter. A fellow guest, a distinguished gentleman, approached the actor and praised their exceptional performance in the movie. Expressing gratitude, the actor received the compliment graciously. It was during this exchange that Ferrara’s wife interjected, prompting the actor with a question: did they recognize the identity of the individual who had offered the compliment? In response the actor admitted their lack of recognition. The revelation followed: the gentleman was none other than Tony Garnier, renowned as the bassist for the legendary musician Bob Dylan. Filled with immense joy, the actor’s admiration for Bob Dylan further deepened, making the experience all the more remarkable against the backdrop of the Venice Film Festival.
Ruocco hopes that audiences will appreciate the hard work put into the film by Abel Ferrara and the entire cast and crew. Additionally, he aspires for the historical events portrayed in “Padre Pio” to be remembered and acknowledged by viewers.
Looking ahead, Ruocco shares his involvement in “The Equalizer 3” directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington. He eagerly anticipates its release, mentioning his excitement about the project.
“Padre Pio” is available on demand. Audiences can look forward to experiencing the extraordinary talent of Salvatore Ruocco in this powerful and thought-provoking film.
The 2022 biographical film Padre Pio, directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Shia LaBeouf, has garnered a range of critical responses. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 30% based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 4.5/10. The consensus states: “Tonally unbalanced and burdened with a distracting Shia LaBeouf performance, Padre Pio is one of Abel Ferrara’s less divine works.”
Metacritic reports a score of 41 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average” reviews.
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com described the film as a “dull slog,” noting that it “never clicks, and comes off more self-obsessed than revelatory.”
The Catholic Review observed that the film is “less a profile of the titular saint… than a portrait of San Giovanni Rotondo… in the period immediately after World War I,” suggesting that viewers seeking an uplifting hagiography might be disappointed.
Conversely, Allan Hunter of Screen Daily found the film “quietly compelling,” stating that it is “one of the director’s strongest works in recent years.”
Salvatore Ruocco: From Naples to the Big Screen
Hailing from the spirited streets of Naples, Italy, Salvatore Ruocco’s journey is a story of grit, resilience, and a passion for storytelling. Born in the historic neighborhood of Sanità, his family later settled in Miano, near Scampia. Growing up in a modest household—his mother a school employee and his father working a common job—Salvatore learned early on the value of hard work and perseverance.
As a child, Salvatore’s first ambition was boxing. In a community where opportunities were scarce, boxing seemed like a path to success. While he had the talent and drive, the sport often rewarded connections over raw skill, posing challenges he couldn’t overcome through sheer determination alone.
It was during this time that cinema began to capture his imagination. With limited exposure to the film world, Salvatore relied on instinct, not idols, to guide him. An intuitive leap led him to enroll in an acting class, setting the stage for a life-changing shift.
Salvatore’s first brush with the screen came with Napoli Napoli Napoli, directed by Abel Ferrara. The collaboration proved transformative, offering Salvatore both mentorship and a deeper appreciation for his craft. Ferrara became a pivotal figure in his artistic development, and Salvatore credits him as one of the most brilliant directors in the industry.
Over the years, Salvatore worked with a roster of celebrated directors. Antoine Fuqua stands out as another significant influence. Fuqua’s film Southpaw not only inspired Salvatore but also pushed him to leave underground boxing behind and fully embrace his acting journey. Salvatore deeply admires Fuqua, both as a person and a visionary storyteller.
Salvatore’s career boasts a series of noteworthy performances, with his films frequently featured at international festivals. A standout role includes his performance in Padre Pio (directed by Abel Ferrara). This project has solidified his reputation as a compelling actor with global appeal.
Looking ahead, Salvatore is in talks for new projects, though he remains characteristically reserved about the details. What is certain, however, is that his fans can expect the same dedication, authenticity, and energy he brings to every role.
From the bustling streets of Naples to the global stage, Salvatore Ruocco’s story is a testament to determination, talent, and the transformative power of cinema.
