By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Stellar performances from the two main stars supply this film with a much-needed boost to make it a worthwhile watch. “Ferrari” is the new biopic from veteran director Michael Mann, and while it may not be good enough for Oscar consideration, it is compelling and entertaining enough to appease audiences. The story is a more pinpointed look at the Italian carmaker during the most vulnerable point of his life.
In 1957, with his auto empire on the brink of bankruptcy, Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) looks to recapture the glory of the Italian sportscar on the racetrack. Signing some of the best drivers in the world like Piero Taruffi (Patrick Dempsey) and Alfonso De Portago (Gabriel Leone), he prepares his race team for the dangerous 1,000-mile race across Italy known as the Mille Miglia. Enzo pushes his drivers to the limit, making it clear that when they get behind the wheel of one of his cars, it is with the purpose to not just compete but to win.
Enzo lives his personal life in the fast lane too, spending much of his free time with his mistress Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley) and their illegitimate son. Laura Ferrari (Penélope Cruz) is Enzo’s estranged wife who has been grief stricken ever since the untimely death of their only son. With a controlling interest in Ferrari, Laura manages the business side of the ailing car company, making it near impossible for Enzo to make decisions without her approval first. When she learns of his philandering ways, the future of Ferrari hangs in the balance regardless of how they perform in the Mille Miglia.
After an 8-year hiatus, Oscar nominated director Michael Mann (“The Insider”) returns to the silver screen with a worthy biopic. He’s no stranger to making these types of historical films, having previously directed gems like “Ali” and “Public Enemies.” “Ferrari” is a movie Mann has been trying to make for 30 years, and as to be expected, his commitment to authenticity is admirable, down to Enzo Ferrari’s personal preference for French made cars. Mann refuses to cut corners, as many directors have been doing lately (shame on you Ridley Scott), not only capturing the rich Italian history accurately, but having his cast speak with realistic Italian accents.
The art direction of 1950s Italy is breathtaking, and the cinematography is certainly above average, particularly during the race sequences, but doesn’t quite reach the level of Mann’s earlier films like “Collateral” and “Heat.” Similarly, the storyline is interesting enough, but focusing more on the race team characters, specifically Alfonso De Portago, rather than Enzo’s affair, would have achieved more emotional investment from the audience. Still, the unconventional approach gives viewers insight into the tragic legacy of the man instead of being just another racing movie.
This is a film that would have fallen flat were it not for the impeccable performances of its two leads. Christian Bale was previously cast to play Enzo but had to opt out because he didn’t have enough time to put on the necessary weight for the role. This opened the door for two-time Oscar nominee Adam Driver, who brought a high level of intensity into his portrayal of the renowned carmaker. This is a professional actor who not only maintains a legitimate Italian accent, but also brilliantly conceals his character’s sadness behind a façade of machismo, only dropping the façade in scenes when alone. Subtlety makes his performance a memorable one, maybe even his best to date. Rumor has it that Driver will have a major role in Michael Mann’s next film, “Heat 2.”
The best performance of the film, however, belongs to Penélope Cruz, who steals every scene in which she appears. The Spanish actress lights up the screen as the jilted wife consumed with grief, also exhibiting a perfect Italian accent. Cruz is anything but subtle with an in-your-face performance, exhibiting the demonstrative mannerisms and volume of a strong, Italian woman, making her riveting and convincing. This is a four-time Oscar nominee, one-time winner (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”) who may be a dark horse for her fifth nomination, but don’t count her out yet.
There is a significant drop-off in acting talent from these two to the rest of the cast. No one more so than Shailene Woodley, whose performance as the other woman lacks purpose and conviction. The only thing less believable than her romantic connection with Driver’s character was her distractingly poor Italian accent. This is simply a case of a bad actress miscast in a good movie, driving the quality down with every scene she appears. Meanwhile the rest of the supporting cast is serviceable, including Patrick Dempsey, who was able to draw upon real life experience as a competitive racer.
Ultimately, “Ferrari” may not have enough in the tank to earn any Oscar consideration, but it is a solidly constructed film worth seeing. Strong performances from Driver and Cruz powerfully hold audience’s interest from beginning to end.
This movie earns:
