When an Italian porn actor stars in a documentary…

I watched this French documentary film the other day: ‘Rocco’. It’s about a very famous Italian pornographic actor, director and producer.

The movie is as much about Rocco, as it is about the porn industry itself. Available on Netflix, this documentary is an hour and forty long.

Rocco narrates about his personal and professional life throughout the documentary.

Born in the 1960s, he came from a poor neighbourhood, on the Adriatic coast of Italy. He talks about his childhood, his relationship with family and school. He goes on, and tell the story about the first time he masturbated, and how he was discovered by his mother. He briefly mentions about the day he lost one of his brother, when he was just a kid, and his mother’s mourning.

He discuss his work with his other brother Edoardo once reaching adulthood, and how his career in porn begun. His colleague, work partner, and cousin Gabriele Galetta is present in the movie too – he has since passed away.

The documentary includes many clips of very raw and crude material from his work in porn. TW: many clips are very demeaning and degrading towards women. Aside of the scenes with Kelly Stafford, of course. Those are great. 

Also his wife and his two kids often appear on screen, sharing their views and personal opinions on Rocco and his professional career. 

In one of Rocco’s interviews, he cries when he talks about the day he lost his mother, and his relationship with her.

I found the documentary informative. Showing a side of the porn industry that we often imagine, but never really see for real. Rocco shares his daily struggles, his addiction, and his internal suffering; all the while making the most of all the pretty girls around him. He’s the anti-hero and the man on the cross… or carrying the cross??

Full review by The Holliwood Reporter here, and Rotten Tomatoes here. Trailer below, but since is age-restricted, go and watch it on YouTube directly.