Michael Mann’s upcoming sports drama film, based on the biography of Enzo Ferrari, focuses on an important period in the history of the automotive and racing industries. All set to take you through the journey of Ferrari, this film will be released in theaters on December 25, 2023 (United States). This article helps you understand who Enzo Ferrari was and other details one must know before watching this movie.
Who was Enzo Ferrari?
Enzo Ferrari, born on February 18th, 1898, in Modena, northern Italy, was the younger of two children to Alfredo Ferrari and Adalgisa Bisbini, with an older brother commonly known as Dino. An Italian entrepreneur and former motor racing driver, Enzo played a pivotal role in establishing the renowned Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team and Ferrari S.p.A.
Throughout the years, Ferrari has forged one of the most triumphant and iconic automotive brands in history. Recognized as the Commendatore or the Drake, his legacy lives on through the enduring success of the Scuderia Ferrari racing team, which stands as the oldest and most accomplished team in Formula One history. Enzo Ferrari passed away on August 14, 1988, at the age of 90, in Maranello, marking the end of an era.
Ferrari Movie Budget, star cast, salary, and filming locations:
Mann is known for this stylized crime drama. This film is all set to captivate the audience with its remarkable blend of characteristics like realism and family melodrama. With a budget of $95 million, the 130-minute-long movie features a star-studded cast, including Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, the pioneer of the automobile world, alongside Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Sarah Gadon, and Patrick Dempsey. The film made its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and further showcased its cinematic excellence with a North American premiere as the closing night film at the New York Film Festival.
The financial commitment in the cast of this cinematic masterpiece is evident, with Adam Driver taking home a whopping $3 million for the role. Penélope Cruz, playing Laura Ferrari, came in second at $2 million, and Shailene Woodley came in third at $750,000 for her portrayal of Lina Lardi. Gabriel Leone, stepping into the shoes of Alfonso de Portago, commands a salary of $250,000 for his role. Sarah Gadon, portraying Linda Christian, earns a respectable $220,000. Jack O’Connell, taking on the character of Peter Collins, secures a salary of $170,000. Meanwhile, the renowned Patrick Dempsey, embodying Piero Taruffi, commands attention with a substantial salary of $500,000. Michele Savoia, another integral part of the cast, plays an undisclosed character and receives a $150,000 paycheck.
Ferrari was captured on film in the picturesque settings of Brescia and Modena, Italy. The chosen shooting locations not only enhance the visual appeal but also create a strong emotional connection with the audience, providing an immersive experience at its finest.
Ferrari Movie Plot:
The 1991 autobiography, “Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, and the Machine,” penned by motorsport journalist Brock Yates, served as the primary inspiration for almost the entire film. In addition, the film retains the actual figures from Enzo Ferrari’s life and career. This cinematic exploration delves into three crucial months in the life of Enzo Ferrari (portrayed by Adam Driver), the founder and namesake of the company. The summer of 1967 proved to be particularly challenging for Enzo, marked by the dual challenges of his business facing a decline and imminent bankruptcy and, concurrently, strains in his marital relationship.
In the 1950s, Enzo Ferrari’s company gained immense popularity, initiating global car shipping and the manufacturing of road vehicles. During this period, Enzo, though not directly engaged in racing, dedicated himself to designing and producing cars. Simultaneously, his team actively participated in diverse contests under the banner of his establishment, Ferrari S.p.A.
This venture took shape after World War II and the separation from Alfa Romeo due to contractual disagreements.
Enzo Ferrari, despite his initial glory, faced a decline in popularity during the late ’50s and the skeptical eyes of the public in the tumultuous 1960s. Allegations arose, accusing him of endangering racers’ lives, fueled by the tragic deaths of several drivers associated with Ferrari. The controversies led to legal battles, casting a shadow on Ferrari’s legacy.
Remarkably, in the face of adversity, Ferrari persisted in his racing endeavors. Despite the lows and the weight of public opinion, he emerged victorious in various contests, securing accolades and awards.
Enzo Ferrari’s second son, Dino, tragically succumbed to muscular dystrophy on June 30, 1956, at the age of 24, in Modena, Italy. The bond between Enzo and Dino was profound, and the loss deeply impacted Enzo, especially considering Dino’s intended role as Enzo’s successor in the car manufacturing company, inheriting his father’s passion for cars. Following Dino’s demise, Enzo and Laura’s marriage faced challenges, yet they remained married until she died in 1978. During the 1940s, Enzo had an affair with Lina Lardi, portrayed by Shailene Woodley in the 2023 film, resulting in the birth of his second son, Piero, on May 22, 1945. Due to the illegality of divorce in Italy at the time, Enzo couldn’t formally acknowledge Piero as his son until after Laura’s passing in 1978. Interestingly, Piero Ferrari now serves as the current vice chairman of Ferrari.
Ferrari, inherently a racer and not a businessman, maintained a myopic focus on his racing passion despite challenges and potential setbacks. Enzo Ferrari’s story is a testament to his ability to navigate adversity and emerge as an icon in the world of racing.
Ferrari 2023 trailer Review:
The recently released two-minute trailer provides a glimpse into Enzo Ferrari’s life. On one side, he grapples with the emotional turmoil of a strained marriage and the profound grief over the loss of his son.
Simultaneously, on the other side, Enzo faces the formidable challenge of winning the Mille Miglia race to safeguard the auto empire he and his wife, Laura, painstakingly built, preventing its collapse. The juxtaposition of personal struggles and professional aspirations sets the stage for a compelling narrative in the upcoming film. We get a glimpse into his competitive nature, where one can find his true love for racing.
We see Enzo Ferrari’s life, initially portraying a happy family with his wife and son. However, this bliss transforms into turmoil following the tragic death of his son, Dino. The emotional narrative intensifies as Enzo, confronted with the impending bankruptcy of his company, raises questions about his initial motives in the business.
“How am I getting broke? ” Fans speculate on Enzo’s original mindset—whether he entered the business with a profit-making agenda or if his passion for racing and cars overshadowed financial considerations.
In the trailer, Enzo Ferrari’s complex relationships come to the forefront. He shares an extramarital affair with another woman, resulting in a son named Piero. Enzo’s joyous expression and the words, “How can I stay away?” reveal the emotional conflict he faces between family and fidelity.
Viewers are left wondering why his wife, played by Penelope Cruz, refuses to give him complete control over the company’s stock. The trailer hints at her blaming Enzo for their son’s death, with poignant lines like, “You promised me he wouldn’t die.”
Towards the end of the trailer, the wife’s exclamation, “Go beat the hell out of them,” underscores her determination to protect both family and business, showcasing the intense emotional drama that unfolds in the film.
The tagline “If you get into one of my cars, you get in to win” aptly mirrors Enzo Ferrari’s resolute spirit, symbolizing his commitment to triumph not just in the world of racing but also in the intricate tapestry of his familial challenges.