In the realm of filmmaking, there are instances where the setting demands as much attention as the actors themselves. Such is the case with “Ferrari,” the latest creation from acclaimed US director Michael Mann, where the picturesque city of Modena in Italy emerges as a pivotal character.
Featuring the stellar performances of Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, Mann’s biographical drama delves into the tumultuous life of Enzo Ferrari, the visionary founder of the renowned car manufacturing company. Set against the backdrop of the 1957 Mille Miglia race traversing Italy, the film skillfully intertwines on-track events with poignant family drama, as Enzo and his wife Laura navigate the loss of their son amid the challenges of Enzo’s double life as a father.
Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in August, “Ferrari” gears up for a cinematic release during the Christmas holidays, eyes set on potential accolades at the Oscars.
While Driver, an American, and Cruz, a Spaniard, fully immerse themselves in la vita Italiana, Mann decided that there could be no substitute for the authentic charm of Modena.
Situated in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Modena plays an integral role in the Ferrari narrative. Enzo Ferrari was born in this quaint city and established a workshop there when he transitioned from being a race car driver to an automobile manufacturer. By the 1950s, Ferrari had expanded its operations to the nearby town of Maranello, solidifying its status as a formidable force. Modena, with its strong ties to Italian motorsport and as the home of Maserati, became the beating heart of this automotive legacy. Despite the global reach of his cars, Enzo preferred to stay close to Modena. Therefore, when Mann conceptualized “Ferrari,” he deemed it fitting to bring the production to the very essence of the story.
Michael Mann, aged 80, boasts a profound connection with Ferrari. The veteran director, known for cinematic gems like “Heat” and “The Last of the Mohicans,” had contemplated a film on Ferrari’s founder for many years. His longstanding friendship with Piero Ferrari, the current vice-chair of the company and a significant character in the movie, added a personal touch to the project.
The production team descended upon Modena for six months in 2022. Despite its modest size, the city became intimately acquainted with the filmmakers. Mann shared his experiences, saying, “It’s a very small city, so we became known. When I’d go shopping at Mercato Albinelli … I was ‘Mrs. Mann’s husband.’ So it was very respectful.”
Modena, retaining much of its appearance from 1957, proved to be an ideal canvas for recreating the era. The city’s cathedral, the imposing Ducal Palace, and cobblestone streets provided an authentic backdrop. Crucially, Modena still echoes with the passion of those who work for and adore Ferrari. Mann emphasized the significance, stating, “Ferrari is the home team. Many of the people who work at the factory (have been there for) two generations. There’s a very strong motor racing dialect.”
Actor Adam Driver noted the unique ambiance of Modena, saying, “There’s a homegrown-ness element and attitude to Modena that I don’t think you would have gotten shooting (elsewhere).”
The production team went to great lengths to infuse authenticity into the film. Former Ferrari Formula One chief mechanics for Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda were enlisted for minor roles, and engine blocks were sourced from the Ferrari Classiche restoration department. Local businesses, including a barbershop Enzo frequented, became part of the narrative, with the second-generation owner playing his father and shaving Driver on screen.
Mann reveled in the local flavor, stating, “It was very, very local in this wonderful way. You came to understand the wit, this kind of tough-minded attitude, that’s not too different from inner-city Chicago, where I grew up.”
With such deep immersion into the cultural and historical context, did shooting on location aid Driver in slipping into character? The actor affirmed, “Yes and yes.”
For Penelope Cruz, who portrays Laura, Enzo Ferrari’s wife, Modena presented a more nuanced challenge. The film explores Laura’s grief after losing her son and her discovery of Enzo’s infidelity, adding layers to her character. Cruz shared her experience, noting the local reactions to Laura’s portrayal. She lamented the tendency to dismiss Laura as difficult without acknowledging the pain she endured in losing a child to illness.
The film delves into the complex relationship between Laura and Enzo, offering a glimpse into their enduring connection. Mann and Cruz met with Laura’s doctor, who shared never-before-seen love letters written by Enzo up to two years before Laura’s death in 1978.
Shailene Woodley, who plays Lina Lardi, the mother of Enzo’s son Piero, engaged with Piero himself to capture the essence of his mother. Woodley recounted the emotional impact of learning about Lina’s protective nature and her role in keeping Piero grounded despite the challenges of his childhood.
Mann’s meticulous research extended to details like the way Lina would prepare food, with Woodley replicating it on camera. The director emphasized the level of authenticity achieved, leading to a seamless integration of the actors into the 1957 setting.
In the film, Enzo imparts a valuable lesson to his son, stating, “When a thing works better, naturally it looks more beautiful to the eye.” This philosophy, directed toward his cars, resonates with Mann’s approach to filmmaking. Engineered to perfection, Mann’s films, like “Ferrari,” seamlessly blend meticulous craftsmanship with an organic, spontaneous performance that transports audiences into the depicted world.
Modena, Enzo’s muse, became Mann’s inspiration as well. In his own words, “There’s poetry in the drinking water.” The inexplicable allure of Modena, woven into the fabric of “Ferrari,” remains a testament to the power of authenticity and cinematic craftsmanship.