In the realm of cinematic backdrops, there are times when a film location commands attention and contends for the spotlight alongside its stars. In the case of “Ferrari,” the latest creation from renowned U.S. director Michael Mann, Modena, Italy, emerges as a compelling character in its own right.
Headlined by actors Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, Mann’s biopic delves into the tumultuous life of Enzo Ferrari, the visionary founder of the iconic car manufacturer. Set against the backdrop of the 1957 Mille Miglia race across Italy, the film intricately weaves on-track events with intense family drama. Enzo, portrayed by Driver, and his wife Laura, played by Cruz, grapple with the loss of their son while navigating the complexities of Enzo’s dual role as a father to another child.
Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in August, Mann’s “Ferrari” gears up for a cinematic release during the Christmas holidays, with eyes set on the prestigious Oscars.
While Driver and Cruz immerse themselves in the Italian way of life, Mann, when it came to selecting a location, left no room for compromise. Modena, nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, plays an indispensable role in the Ferrari narrative. Enzo’s birthplace, Modena witnessed the establishment of his workshop as the former race car driver ventured into manufacturing automobiles. By the 1950s, Ferrari expanded into the nearby town of Maranello, solidifying its status as a formidable force in the automotive world. Modena, steeped in Italian motorsport heritage with Maserati also calling it home, becomes the pulsating heart of the film’s setting.
Mann, aged 80, shares profound connections with Ferrari. The visionary director, renowned for films like “Heat” and “The Last of the Mohicans,” had contemplated a film on Enzo Ferrari for years. His friendship with Piero Ferrari, the current vice chair of the company and a pivotal figure in the movie, spans decades.
The production descended upon Modena for six months in 2022, immersing itself in the city’s vibrant essence. Mann, reflecting on the experience, notes Modena’s small size, acknowledging that the production team became a recognizable presence. The director recalls the local market, Mercado Benelli, where he was affectionately known as “Mrs. Mann’s husband.”
Fortunately, Modena’s architectural landscape has retained much of its 1957 charm, providing an authentic backdrop for the film. The city’s cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and cobblestone streets maintain their original allure, offering a cinematic canvas that seamlessly transports viewers to the chosen era. Notably absent from the film is the Museo Enzo Ferrari Modena, a modern pavilion and renovated spaces that opened in 2012.
Crucially, Modena breathes with the spirit of Ferrari. Mann emphasizes the profound impact of the brand on the city, describing it as the “home team.” The film’s authenticity is further heightened as former Ferrari Formula One chief mechanics for Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda play small roles, and engine blocks are sourced from the Ferrari Classiche restoration department.
Adam Driver attests to the unique atmosphere of Modena, citing a distinctive “homegrown-ness” and attitude that permeates the city. The film’s set was populated with locals, creating an immersive experience where town residents seamlessly transitioned into the movie’s scenes.
Penelope Cruz, portraying Laura Ferrari, Enzo’s wife and business partner, discovered a more nuanced side to Modena. Immersed in grief after the loss of their son, Laura uncovers her husband’s infidelity and navigates a complex web of family and business challenges. Cruz expresses her disquiet with the reactions of people in Modena, who tended to dismiss Laura as difficult or problematic. The actress emphasizes the untold pain experienced by Laura, a woman grappling with the loss of a child to illness.
The film unfolds Laura’s formidable character, portraying her grief with authenticity, including scenes shot in the Ferrari family mausoleum where Enzo is buried today. “Ferrari” delves into the intricate dynamics of Laura and Enzo’s relationship, revealing never-before-seen love letters penned by Enzo to his estranged wife up to two years before her death in 1978.
Woodley, who plays Lina Lardi, the mother of Enzo’s son Piero, met with Piero to understand his mother better. The actress is moved by the protective nature of Lina, who, despite the chaos of Enzo’s complicated relationships, kept her son grounded.
Mann’s exhaustive research is evident in the film’s meticulous attention to detail, from Lardi’s food preparation techniques to the replication of authentic experiences. The director describes the immersive nature of the project, fostering a sense of verisimilitude that allows the audience to believe in the reality of the depicted world.
In a poignant moment, Enzo, played by Driver, imparts wisdom to his son, stating, “When a thing works better, naturally it looks more beautiful to the eye.” This sentiment, referring to Enzo’s cars, aptly encapsulates Mann’s approach to filmmaking. Crafted with precision and hidden complexities beneath a veneer of grace, Mann’s films, like Enzo’s cars, resonate with authenticity.
For Mann, Modena becomes a wellspring of inspiration, where he perceives an indescribable poetry in the drinking water. The city, with its rich history intertwined with Ferrari’s legacy, becomes an integral character in the narrative, shaping the director’s vision and lending a profound authenticity to “Ferrari.” As Mann and his team delved into Modena’s essence, they found themselves transported to 1957, enveloped in a world where the lines between reality and cinema blurred—a testament to the film’s ultimate objective of delivering an immersive and believable experience.
In the symphony of filmmaking, where locations often play supporting roles, Modena emerges as a star in its own right, leaving an indelible mark on “Ferrari” and elevating it beyond a mere biopic to a cinematic ode to a city and an iconic legacy.