In Michael Mann's latest film, we are plunged headlong into the captivating life of speed Titan Enzo Ferrari. The renowned director delves into the ever-unsatisfied life of Ferrari, exploring his unquenchable penchant for speed and the tight grip on racing records that often threatened the safety of others. Mann's "Ferrari" presents us with a man who lived his life on the knife-edge of disaster, a thrilling essence that hums through the film alongside Ferrari’s ongoing internal battle.
The screenplay, crafted by Troy Kennedy Martin, paints a thrilling tale of a man barely clinging to life's racing lane, struggling to balance personal and professional challenges. Grim foreshadowing hints at the impending catastrophe - a life parallel to a high-speed vehicle always on the brink of a fatal collision.
Adam Driver delivers an exceptional performance as Ferrari, injecting human depth into the character that easily could have been a total enigma.
Beyond Ferrari's ruthless ingenuity depicted in Martin's script, Driver skillfully balances the character's complexity – from seeking guidance from his deceased son to his constant struggle to live up to the high expectations of his people, some likening him to a modern-day Jesus.
Ferrari's world is fleeting with almost all his relations expendable. Driver impeccably captures the character's struggle to hold onto affection for the two women in his life; his wife, Laura, played by Penelope Cruz, and his mistress, Lina, portrayed by Shailene Woodley. In the midst of the turmoil, Laura's grief-stricken role, owing to their lost son, is powerfully rendered by Cruz's phenomenal performance, creating a stunning counterbalance to Driver's cold depiction of Ferrari.
Set in 1957, the film revolves around the title character nearing 60. Ferrari fights to retain control of the automotive industry he greatly influenced while grappling with personal hardships, such as the loss of an heir and an illegitimate son he can't publicly acknowledge. He’s a hero in Italy, but his crown is heavy to bear. The film rises with an attempt by Ferrari to break a speed record, a move that could prove ruinous for a company already on the brink of bankruptcy.
Boasting top-notch craftsmanship, the film features exemplary work by cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt and editing by master Pietro Scalia. Their combined efforts keep the film grounded and continually moving. An enchanting score by Daniel Pemberton contributes greatly to the film's resonance, making for one of the best-crafted films of the year.
While the film arguably has an unnecessary emphasis on Ferrari's financial woes-an aspect only added to when Laura uncovers her husband's secrets in an intimidating encounter with a banker-it's a minor complaint for a drama that has likely been overlooked due to the end-of-year saturation of potential award contenders. But as history shows, only the truly unforgettable films cross the finish line, and "Ferrari" is undeniably one of them.
In theaters from December 25th. Brian Tallerico, a renowned name in the realm of film critique, is the Managing Editor of RogerEbert.com. He's known for dissecting television, film, Blu-ray, and video games. In addition to his work at RogerEbert.com, he's a writer for Vulture, The Playlist, The New York Times, and GQ. Tallerico also currently holds the president's seat at the Chicago Film Critics Association.
