Ferrari's Misstep: Choosing the Wrong Driver for Michael Mann's Racing Vehicle
Ferrari fails to ignite with a miscast Adam Driver as the automotive mogul in this Michael Mann-directed movie While it offers some captivating moments, they ultimately fall short, leaving the film less than the sum of its parts
After the success of "Ford v. Ferrari," exploring the other side of the rivalry seemed promising. However, "Ferrari" falls short, with Adam Driver appearing miscast as the automotive mogul in a Michael Mann-directed film that has its moments but ultimately doesn't come together.
Portraying Enzo Ferrari at an older age than he currently is, Driver does make use of the Italian accent he used in "House of Gucci" as he delves into the world of Italian luxury brands.
After a brief introduction, the film swiftly moves through what appears to be a dramatic period to 1957, a decade after Ferrari established the company in the aftermath of post-war Italy. This point captures him at a particularly vulnerable moment, with a major race looming and the company on the brink of bankruptcy - a far cry from the powerhouse that Ferrari would become just a few years later in the aforementioned "Ford" movie.
Adding to the complexity, Ferrari's work struggles are entwined with his personal challenges, as his tempestuous wife (Penelope Cruz, arguably the highlight of the film) holds the financial reins of his empire and is not pleased about his mistress (Shailene Woodley) and the son Ferrari is raising with her, whom he hopes to eventually bring into the business.
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The drama is also centered on Ferrari's competition with Maserati, a key factor in shaping the future of the company.
The driver fully immerses himself in the role, sporting gray hair, high-waisted pants, and the walk of an older man who has spent countless hours in small race cars. However, it's Cruz who truly captivates the audience, portraying a character aware of her husband's infidelity and primarily worried about his sneaking in before the maid arrives, all while exclaiming, "I want my gun back!"
Regrettably, "Ferrari" lacks the necessary momentum. What's most appealing, in many ways, is seeing Mann - a producer on "Ford v. Ferrari" and the renowned director of "Heat," "The Last of the Mohicans," and "Thief" - taking the helm again to direct his first film since "Blackhat" in 2015. However, the end result feels strangely lackluster, failing to fully explore the storylines of the Ferrari driving team. Without revealing too much, a thrilling sequence near the end almost makes up for the shortcomings, providing a glimpse into the perilous world of auto racing and the potential of this film.
The technical skill and sleek characters in "Ferrari" don't quite make up for the lack of payoff in this ambitious film. Though the movie's accessories may have seemed promising, it only occasionally revs up to higher gear. "Ferrari" will debut in US theaters on December 25 and is rated R.
