★★½
Ferrari, directed by Michael Mann and inspired by the 1991 biography, examines the tumultuous life of Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver), the iconic founder of the revered car manufacturer. Set against the dire backdrop of Ferrari’s company facing bankruptcy in the summer of 1957, the film navigates Ferrari’s intricate relationships, his fervent passion for racing, and his unyielding pursuit of excellence.
While the narrative tries to explore various facets of Ferrari’s life, delving into his struggles with fatherhood, issues of adultery, and the moral complexities within the competitive world of racing, the film’s ambitious fusion of biopic, drama, and sports genres results in a narrative lacking a clear focal point. This leaves the audience questioning whether significant character development even transpires. Although Ferrari’s internal conflicts are vividly presented, the film fails to create a compelling connection for the audience to root for or empathize with the character. Perhaps a deeper exploration of specific aspects rather than a surface-level examination might have enriched the portrayal of Ferrari’s multifaceted life. The transition from a written biography to film appears to falter in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Fortunately, the film finds its anchor in the standout performances of Driver and Penelope Cruz. Their on-screen chemistry and the portrayal of a rocky relationship between Enzo and Laura Ferrari become the film’s beating heart. The strength of their acting, combined with well-written scenes, propels the narrative forward and manages to hold the audience’s attention. However, the intense focus on these two characters inadvertently results in a diminished presence of the supporting cast, making it challenging to also connect with the numerous side characters, particularly the drivers during the climactic racing scenes.
Regarding its cinematography, Ferrari offers visually striking moments but struggles to maintain a cohesive visual narrative. The eclectic choice of shot compositions, ranging from beautiful master shots to jarring racing sequences and intense close-ups, creates optics that often feel disjointed. An exception to this is the impactful depiction of a major car accident during the race, standing out intentionally to evoke a visceral reaction from the audience.
Ferrari boasts its merits, providing multiple glimpses into the life of a man propelled by passion and perfection. For enthusiasts of Driver and Cruz’s acting prowess, the film offers a worthwhile showcase of their chemistry and individual performances, making the two-hour investment worthwhile for their fans Nonetheless, the lack of a focused narrative and underdeveloped supporting characters diminish its potential impact. While the film struggles to find its stride in the broader landscape of biographical dramas, it does provide an engaging exploration of the man behind the legendary automobile empire.
