“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Director Michael Mann’s new biopic ‘Ferrari’ races into theaters. This movie attempts to understand the larger-than-life individual Enzo Ferrari. It is really a snapshot of his life during the most turbulent time for the Italian car company. It takes place during the summer of 1957. The story is anchored with a riveting performance by Adam Driver. After a while, I forgot it was the actor. He completely embodies the rich CEO with an Italian accent, stylish suits, and designer sunglasses. Let’s face it when it comes to style the Italians have the market cornered. ‘Ferrari’ takes a while to warm up but the racing scenes are worth the wait.
The story follows Enzo through his life in 1957 until the 1,000-mile race notoriously known as the Mille Miglia which was an open-road endurance race through Italy. The film explores the financial difficulties experienced by the Ferrari company. It was on the brink of bankruptcy. This race was Enzo’s chance to redeem the company name by winning over his archrivals Maserati. Enzo hires a young hotshot driver by the name of Alfonso De Portago (Gabriel Leone). While he is struggling with his car company, he has problems with his personal life. He is dealing with a difficult marriage with his wife Laura (Penelope Cruz). At the same time, he faces challenges with his mistress, Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley).
The only problem I have with the story is that I wish they spent more time on the race track than with his family issues. I understand exploring the loveless marriage with Laura was important but it took away from the excitement of the racing sequences. The car scenes are truly spectacular. That’s why many will go see it at the movie theater. When the drivers put on the goggles and the engine roars, you begin to realize how dangerous it was for these guys to risk their lives going 130 mph. If they crashed, there was no protection from hurling through the air. It is horrifying to watch the infamous Mille Miglia crash. I won’t spoil the details but drivers did not have seatbelts in the car back in the day!
The film goes back and forth to his family drama and the world of racing. I must be honest. I wanted to see more racing. That’s when the film fired on all cylinders. You can tell this was a passion project for director Michael Mann. He commissioned a fleet of 1957 red Ferrari replicas to use in the racing sequences. The racing sequences are so visceral that you feel like you are in the driver’s seat. As we are thrilled by the racing, the film goes back to the depressing family drama. It weighs down the film. Enzo comes to the cold realization that if he wants his car company to survive, he must ramp up production and sell hundreds of cars. Enzo reluctantly turned to a FIAT partnership in order to meet production demands for his cars.
To sum up ‘Ferrari,’ the film is at its best during the exhilarating race sequences. It sputters a bit when it switches over to the messy family drama. The crash scenes are horrific. You really get the sense how dangerous it was to race in 1957. There were no security measures in place like today. Adam Driver’s performance is stellar. I wouldn’t be surprised if he received some Oscar buzz. Like a Ferrari, the movie is sleek and stylish but the downside is how long it takes to rev up the engine in the final act. The superb racing scenes and fine acting make ‘Ferrari’ a biopic worth starting your engine for.
