Movies - Ferrari - Michael Mann's Cinematic Masterpiece Unveils the Intimate Drama Behind the Racing Legend

By Mulder, 18 october 2023

Passion, ambition, power: these are the defining attributes of Enzo Ferrari's legendary racecars, and as Michael Mann unveils in his latest cinematic masterpiece, "FERRARI," these characteristics are not just embedded in the vehicles but are intrinsic to the man himself. The film delves deep into the tumultuous year of 1957, a pivotal time in Enzo Ferrari's life when his insatiable desire for victory collided with personal complexities, financial struggles, and the relentless world of motorsports.

Mann, known for his prowess in bringing compelling characters to life, takes on the challenge of portraying one of the most iconic yet enigmatic figures of the 20th century, Enzo Ferrari. Based on Brock Yates' 1991 book "Enzo Ferrari: The Man, The Car, The Races, The Machine," the film captures the essence of Ferrari's life during a four-month period in 1957. Mann's meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a stellar cast, results in a character study that not only aligns with his distinguished filmography but also stands as a unique addition to his cinematic repertoire.

Adam Driver, a two-time Academy Award nominee, embodies the role of Enzo Ferrari with an intensity and subtlety that brings the multifaceted personality of the racing icon to the forefront. Mann and Driver, along with the rest of the talented cast, including Penélope Cruz and Shailene Woodley, unravel the intricate web of relationships in Ferrari's life, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

Ferrari transcends the typical biopic formula by focusing on the asymmetry and contradiction in Ferrari's life. Mann explores the dichotomy between Ferrari's precise and rational approach to his factory and race team, juxtaposed against the impulsive, chaotic, and emotionally charged aspects of his personal life. The film navigates Enzo Ferrari's struggles in the mid-1950s, a period marked by the glamour and challenges of international motorsports, as he faced financial crises and personal dilemmas that threatened to dismantle his life's work.

One of the film's core strengths lies in its portrayal of the women in Enzo Ferrari's life. Penélope Cruz, who plays Laura, Ferrari's wife, delivers a ferocious performance that captures the complexity of a woman navigating a male-dominated business while dealing with personal strife. Shailene Woodley, as Lina Lardi, brings a grounded determination to her role as the woman who anchored Ferrari's life during post-war Italy.

The production of Ferrari posed significant challenges, including the recreation of historic racing sequences. Director of Photography Erik Messerschmidt, an Oscar winner for "Mank," collaborated with Mann to achieve a visual aesthetic inspired by Caravaggio paintings. The film seamlessly transitions between the intimate, classically composed moments of Ferrari's domestic life and the dynamic, visceral energy of the racetrack.

The authenticity of the racing sequences required the creation of replica cars, a daunting task given the scarcity and value of original models. Mann's pre-existing relationship with Ferrari, facilitated by businessman Gianluigi Longinotti-Buitoni, played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. The meticulous efforts of the production team, led by producer P.J. van Sandwijk, ensured the recreation of the iconic racing cars with attention to detail and historical accuracy.

The film's soundtrack, composed by a yet-to-be-revealed talent, complements the visual storytelling, capturing the emotional nuances and intensity of Enzo Ferrari's journey. The use of opera as a catalyst for memory and introspection further adds a layer of depth to the narrative.

In the editing room, two-time Oscar-winning film editor Pietro Scalia collaborated with Mann to shape the film's rhythm and narrative flow. The juxtaposition of dramatic, dialogue-driven scenes with kinetic racing sequences serves as a testament to Mann's directorial vision and storytelling prowess.

Ferrari stands as a testament to Michael Mann's ability to craft compelling narratives that transcend traditional genre boundaries. The film is a celebration of the human spirit, exploring the complexities of ambition, love, and the pursuit of perfection. As Mann himself reflects on the project, "There is no equilibrium in [Enzo Ferrari's] life, and that’s the whole point of Enzo Ferrari. Life is asymmetrical. Life is messy. Life is filled with chaos. This asymmetry and wonderful contradiction are what made him and the other characters in this unique story so human to me.

Ferrari is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with its captivating storytelling, stellar performances, and a visual spectacle that brings the iconic era of motorsports to life. As the film gears up for release, cinephiles and racing enthusiasts alike await the opportunity to witness Michael Mann's magnum opus, a film that promises to leave an indelible mark on cinematic history.

Synopsis :
In the summer of 1957, former racing driver Enzo Ferrari is in crisis. Bankruptcy looms over the company he and his wife, Laura, created from scratch ten years earlier. Their tumultuous marriage must cope with the mourning of one son and the recognition of another. To ensure their survival, he throws the dice on a race - 1,000 miles across Italy, the iconic Mille Miglia.

Ferrari
Directed by Michael Mann
Written by Troy Kennedy Martin
Based on Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine by Brock Yates
Produced by Michael Mann, P.J. van Sandwijk Marie Savare, John Lesher, Thomas Hayslip, John Friedberg, Andrea Iervolino, Monika Bacardi, Gareth West, Lars Sylvest, Thorsten Schumacher, Laura Rister
Starring Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Sarah Gadon, Gabriel Leone, Jack O'Connell, Patrick Dempsey
Cinematography : Erik Messerschmidt
Edited by Pietro Scalia
Music by Daniel Pemberton
Production companies : Forward Pass, Storyteller Productions, STXfilms, Ketchup Entertainment, Esme Grace Media, Cecchi Gori USA, Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment
Distributed by : Neon (United States), STX International (International), Prime video (France)
Release dates : August 31, 2023 (Venice), December 25, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 130 minutes