Original interpretation — not a still from the production
In the summer of 1957, Enzo Ferrari faces bankruptcy, marital strife, and the pressures of the Mille Miglia, all while grappling with profound personal loss. Michael Mann brings his signature intensity to a pivotal moment in the life of a titan.
The Continental Verdict
Highly Recommended
Michael Mann’s depiction of Enzo Ferrari is less a hagiography and more a study in unrelenting pressure. Set against the backdrop of Modena in 1957, the narrative plunges into a crucible of personal and professional crises: a faltering company on the brink of insolvency, a fractured marriage, the recent, devastating loss of a son, and the existential threat posed by the imminent Mille Miglia.
Adam Driver embodies Ferrari with a suitable gravitas, portraying a man perpetually on the precipice, driving his company and himself with a brutal, single-minded determination. Penélope Cruz, as Laura Ferrari, delivers a performance of remarkable ferocity, capturing the raw grief and unacknowledged power of a woman often relegated to the background. The film excels in illustrating the intimate, almost familial, chaos that underscores the public spectacle of racing. Mann’s precise direction ensures that while the speed is visceral, the true drama lies in the boardroom machinations and the quiet desperation of a patriarch whose legacy is hanging by a thread.
Why Watch It
The Gentleman Factor
One gleans the sheer force of will required to sustain an empire, even when it is built on the precarious edges of innovation and personal sacrifice. Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of victory, despite immense adversity, offers a bracing lesson in resolve.
Look Out For
- Neo-noir aesthetics, particularly in night-time scenes and interiors.
- A muted, steely colour palette, occasionally punctuated by the vibrant reds of racing cars.
- Sharp, precise cinematography that captures both the grandeur of the racing and the intimacy of personal struggle.
The Locations
Modena, Italy; Maranello, Italy; Brescia, Italy; Rome, Italy.
More from the travel pages →The Cars
Ferrari 335 S, Ferrari 315 S, Maserati 250F, Ferrari 801, Ferrari 500 TRC.
More from motoring →The Wardrobe
The sartorial choices are period-accurate, reflecting the post-war Italian elegance with understated suits for Enzo Ferrari and refined, yet practical, ensembles for Laura. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran ensures authenticity without ostentation, focusing on texture and silhouette appropriate for the era and social standing. Laura Ferrari’s strong, structured dresses and furs are particularly notable.
More on style →The Soundtrack
Daniel Pemberton’s score is sparse and evocative, often eschewing traditional orchestral swells for a more ambient, industrial soundscape that underscores the mechanical precision and inherent danger of motor racing.
Into the music room →Watch Next
Where to Watch
Cinema and streaming platforms, as available.
For the Collection
Also in Power & Money
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