Ferrari (2023) | Dir. Michael Mann
© Lorenzo Sisti
Written by: Belle McIntyre
Full disclosure; in spite of being a closeted sports car junkie, this film was my default choice caused by scheduling snafus. Expectations were low. I anticipated a lot of deafening race cars screaming around harrowing hairpin curves filmed with heart-stopping camerawork. None of these are my preferred film experiences. However, this film delivered a satisfying dramatization of a pivotal period in the life and times of Enzo Ferrari and the eponymous automobile company which he built. Although it inevitably included all of the aforementioned elements, they were not delivered with unbearable overkill.
© Lorenzo Sisti
Based on the 1991 biography “Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine” by Brock Yates, it is factually accurate and creates context for the importance of automobile manufacturing in postwar economies. The film opens in the summer of 1957 when the popularity of Formula 1 racing was at its height and Ferrari was producing super expensive race cars as a vehicle to sell more sports cars. But the focus on race cars was not supporting the manufacture of sufficient sports cars and the company was in deep trouble. Enzo, with his back against the wall, while endeavoring to rally some backers, is gambling everything on winning the grueling 1000-mile road race, the Mille Miglia.
© Lorenzo Sisti
Enzo, played by an almost unrecognizable Adam Driver, has got big problems on all fronts. He and his wife and business partner Laura (Penelope Cruz), are estranged and embittered by the death of their son Dino and Enzo’s endless infidelities. Simultaneously, his illegitimate son by Lina (Shailene Woodley), his mistress of many years is approaching an age where he should be legitimized as Enzo’s heir. But he and Lina have remained a well-kept secret from Laura who handles the finances. When Laura learns the truth Enzo is in a double bind. On top of that, he wins the Mille Miglia, which should have put him in a solid financial position but for the fact that a devastating and horrific accident kills two of his drivers and nine spectators. The ensuing legal issues last for years. No spoiler here about how the whole convoluted mess is resolved. It will definitely surprise you.
© Lorenzo Sisti
The handsome and talented cast keep you engaged with these self-involved characters without going deep enough to make them particularly empathetic. The glamour and glitz of the world of Formula 1 racing is well-paced and beautifully art directed. The balance between the public and private lives of these characters gives short shrift to the drivers. But that could be a whole other film, I suppose.
