Michael Mann‘s “Ferrari” accelerates onto the big screen with a riveting narrative that captures the essence of the legendary sports car magnate, Enzo Ferrari. Starring Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, and Shailene Woodley, this film takes audiences on a high-octane journey through three pivotal months in Ferrari’s life, delivering a masterful drama that harks back to the cinematic greatness of the 1970s.
The racing scenes in “Ferrari” are not just heart-pounding; they are imbued with a haunting sense of impending doom that heightens the adrenaline rush. However, the film’s gripping drama extends beyond the racetrack, delving into the emotional turmoil and high-stakes dilemmas that shape Enzo Ferrari‘s existence.
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Often, labeling a film as “like a ’70s movie” can be reductive, but in the case of “Ferrari,” it’s an apt description. The film captures the gripping intensity, complex character exploration, and unflinching honesty that characterized New Hollywood cinema.
Set over three months in 1957, “Ferrari” portrays Enzo Ferrari in a precarious position. Externally, he’s a celebrated figure, renowned for creating some of the world’s most beautiful cars and reshaping Italy’s identity. Adam Driver, portraying Ferrari with meticulous attention to detail, embodies him as a controlled force of nature. Yet, beneath the surface, Ferrari faces a series of crises that threaten to unravel his empire.
Having launched his company in the aftermath of World War II, Ferrari now relies on the sale of his sports cars to finance his racing ventures. But with sales stagnating at a mere 100 cars per year, he’s urged by his business manager, Cuoghi (Giuseppe Bonifati), to boost production to 400 cars per year. Winning the Mille Miglia race becomes the key to attracting a major outside investor, possibly Henry Ford II. As Ferrari aptly puts it, “You win on Sunday, you sell on Monday.”
The chaotic state of Ferrari’s business mirrors the turbulence in his personal life. He co-founded the business with his wife, Laura (Penélope Cruz), in their hometown of Modena. However, their marriage is now a cold, fractured shell, especially since the death of their son, Dino, a year earlier. Laura knows of Ferrari’s infidelity, and her suppressed anger simmers beneath the surface. When she discovers his hidden life through bank records, the film evolves into a gripping domestic suspense.
The film portrays Laura as a wraith of vengeance, played brilliantly by Penélope Cruz. She owns half of the Ferrari company, granting her significant leverage. Her choices will either save the company or bring it crashing down. The tension between Laura and Enzo escalates, adding depth to the film’s multifaceted narrative.
Michael Mann, working from a stellar script by the late Troy Kennedy Martin, skillfully weaves a tale of intrigue rooted in authenticity. The film immerses viewers in the late 1950s, from the period’s decor to the spontaneous press conferences in parking lots. It’s akin to watching “Grand Prix” merged with “The Godfather.” Mann’s direction allows the emotional complexities beneath Ferrari’s cool exterior to shine through, making the film both supple and compelling.
The acting prowess of Driver, Cruz, and Woodley, along with Mann’s directorial finesse, creates a cinematic masterpiece. Mann seamlessly integrates the film’s crises, resulting in hidden depth charges of drama.
Mann’s technical expertise shines in the thrilling portrayal of the Mille Miglia race, a cross-country odyssey of fate that sears itself into the viewer’s imagination. The film’s depiction of racing is authentic, showcasing the grime, wear and tear, and the relentless challenges faced by the drivers.
“Ferrari” is a dramatic triumph that not only celebrates victory but also examines the sacrifices and prices one must pay to achieve it. The film delivers racing excitement alongside profound human drama, solidifying its place as a masterpiece of modern cinema.