Ferrari, the film directed by Michael Mann, has sparked curiosity among racing enthusiasts and film lovers alike. The movie, which runs for 131 minutes, explores the life and struggles of the legendary Enzo Ferrari. However, before you decide to invest your time in watching this film, it is important to consider a few aspects critically.
One notable aspect of Ferrari is the impressive performances by the cast. Adam Driver delivers a thoughtful portrayal of Enzo Ferrari, showcasing the flawed genius of Il Commendatore. Similarly, Penelope Cruz excels in her role as Laura, Ferrari’s grieving and embittered wife. Gabriel Leone’s performance as the hotshot talent Alfonso de Portago is also commendable. However, it is worth noting that some of the Italian accents occasionally falter, making it challenging to fully comprehend the dialogue. Nonetheless, as the film progresses, this becomes less of an issue, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the story.
The plot of Ferrari revolves around the 1957 Mille Miglia race, which holds crucial importance for Ferrari as an automotive manufacturer. Alongside the racing drama, the film also delves into Ferrari’s deteriorating relationship with his wife and the secret of his mistress, Lina Lardi. The exploration of these complex relationships adds depth to the narrative and brings out the human side of the infamous Ferrari. However, if you were anticipating non-stop racing action throughout the film, you might be disappointed. Much of the racing scenes shown in the trailer are already revealed, leaving the audience craving for more intense moments on the track. While there are a few additional thrilling sequences, they are short-lived and fail to meet the high expectations set by the trailer.
Moreover, the film struggles to maintain a coherent depiction of the race. The positioning of the cars during the race is often confusing and difficult to follow, hindering the overall racing experience. Although the breathtaking beauty shots of the iconic cars driving through mountains compensate to some extent, they are not enough to salvage this aspect of the film.
Undoubtedly, Ferrari is not without its flaws. One significant flaw lies in the use of CGI for the major crash scenes. The quality of the CGI is abysmal, diminishing the impact that these crashes should have had. In one instance, the CGI creates an unintentionally comedic effect, undermining the seriousness of the moment. While the practical effects in the aftermath of the crashes are haunting and well-executed, they fail to compensate fully for the shortcomings of the CGI.
Furthermore, Ferrari suffers from pacing issues. The film slows down significantly when the focus shifts away from the race, causing the narrative to crawl at times. Certain scenes, like extended shots of Cruz staring into the distance, feel unnecessarily prolonged, disrupting the film’s flow. Additionally, the conversations between the lead characters, while expertly acted, could have been condensed to enhance the pace and progression of the storyline.
The inclusion of two abrupt and jarring sex scenes without proper context also raises questions about their relevance. Furthermore, the ending of the film lacks a satisfying resolution, leaving the audience with a sense of confusion. These narrative missteps hinder the overall cohesion and impact of Ferrari.
Despite its flaws, Ferrari offers an engaging insight into one of the most brutal periods in motor racing history. While the pacing and racing sequences could have been improved, the film captures the essence of Enzo Ferrari and provides a glimpse into his life beyond the realms of a car manufacturer. Whether the film appeals to your taste ultimately depends on your preferences. If you are expecting a Rush-like adrenaline-fueled experience, Ferrari might not meet your expectations entirely. However, if you are interested in delving into the depths of Ferrari the man, this film offers a captivating look behind the curtain.
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