As a director, Michael Mann’s return with “Ferrari” is nothing less than a big spectacle, considering the stacked cast he has rounded up. This movie is a biopic that tells the story of the famous car businessman Enzo Ferrari. This interesting story comes from a book that the late Brock Yates wrote in 1991. The book is called “Enzo Ferrari — The Man, The Cars, The Races, The Machine,” and it’s based on Yates’ love of racing and his time as a CBS NASCAR pit reporter. Yates made important contributions to the history of racing. He was the host of the TNN show “American Sports Cavalcade” and created the famous Cannonball Run race. Unofficial and unapproved of, the Cannonball Run went from New York to Los Angeles. It also inspired an action comedy movie with the same name, which Yates wrote.
Ferrari Cast & Characters Explained:
The cast of Ferrari is as follows:
Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari
The cast of Ferrari is headlined by Adam Driver, who plays the important part of Enzo Ferrari, the famous Italian race car driver who started the famous Ferrari car company. There were happy and sad times in Enzo Ferrari’s life. In 1957, he lost his son Dino to muscular dystrophy, which was very sad. There was also a lot at stake for his company, which was on the verge of going bankrupt. His marriage was also disintegrating. Without hesitating, Enzo Ferrari put everything on the line in the tough Mille Miglia 1,000-mile race, which became a turning point in his life.
Penélope Cruz as Laura Ferrari
Penélope Cruz portrays Laura Ferrari, Enzo’s wife. Their union, which began in 1923, weathered its share of scandals and challenges, yet remarkably endured until Laura’s passing in 1978. Laura Ferrari’s presence in Enzo’s life, though tumultuous at times, was undeniably significant in shaping his personal and professional journey.
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Shailene Woodley as Lina Lardi
Shailene Woodley is also an important part of the Ferrari cast as she steps into the role of Lina Lardi, Enzo Ferrari’s mistress. Their relationship took a complicated turn when she gave birth to a child while Enzo was still married to Laura Ferrari. Italian laws dictated that Lina’s child would not be recognized as Enzo’s heir until after Laura’s demise in 1978. Today, her son, Piero Ferrari, holds the position of vice chairperson at the Ferrari automobile company, a testament to the intricacies of Enzo Ferrari’s personal life.
Gabriel Leone as Alfonso de Portago
Gabriel Leone portrays Alfonso de Portago, an Italian racecar driver who gained prominence driving Ferrari cars. His career took a tragic turn during the 1957 Mille Miglia when he was involved in a fatal crash, claiming his life along with his navigator and nine spectators. The incident highlights the risks inherent in the world of motorsport as Alfonso de Portago grappled with the daunting dangers of the race, making the ultimate sacrifice.
Sarah Gadon as Linda Christian
On-screen, Sarah Gadon brings Linda Christian to life. Linda Christian was an American actor who was known for being the first Bond girl. She played a part in the 1952 TV version of “Casino Royale.” Alfonso de Portago, a racecar driver, was her boyfriend in 1957. A picture of her kissing de Portago right before his sad death was called the “Kiss of Death” by the media. The movie will definitely show this moving moment.
Jack O’Connell as Peter Collins
Jack O’Connell portrays Peter Collins, a British racer recognized for his selflessness and camaraderie within the sport. He joined the Ferrari team in 1956, forging a close friendship with Enzo Ferrari. His second-place finish in the 1957 Mille Miglia driving a Ferrari 860 Monza was a moment of glory. Tragically, Collins lost his life in a crash during the 1958 German Grand Prix, highlighting the ever-present dangers on the race track.
Patrick Dempsey as Piero Taruffi
Patrick Dempsey takes on the role of Piero Taruffi, an Italian racecar driver who played a pivotal role in the 1957 Mille Miglia, securing victory behind the wheel of a Ferrari 315 S. His triumph, however, was overshadowed by the tragic death of fellow Ferrari racer Alfonso de Portago. Following his victory, Taruffi chose to retire from competitive racing at the age of 50, ending an illustrious career that left a lasting impact on the motorsport world.
Michele Savoia as Carlo Chiti
The way Michele Savoia plays Carlo Chiti gives the story more depth. He was an Italian who designed race cars and engines and worked with Ferrari on a number of famous cars. He made important contributions to the growth of Ferrari’s racing cars, which shows how innovative and technically advanced the brand is.
Erik Haugen as Edmund Nelson
Erik Haugen makes his cinematic debut as Edmund Nelson, an American driver and navigator who tragically lost his life alongside Alfonso de Portago. Nelson’s inclusion in the cast underscores the dramatic nature of the events that unfolded during the 1957 Mille Miglia, reminding us of the perils inherent in motorsport.
Andrea Dolente as Gino Rancati
Andrea Dolente embodies Gino Rancati, an Italian author renowned for his biography of Enzo Ferrari. His work sheds light on the life and legacy of the automotive visionary, contributing to a deeper understanding of the man behind the legendary Ferrari brand.
Giuseppe Bonifati as Giacomo Cuoghi
Giuseppe Bonifati takes on the role of Giacomo Cuoghi, an Italian actor whose limited filmography includes a notable appearance in Ridley Scott’s true crime drama, “All the Money in the World.” His involvement in the film adds a touch of authenticity to the portrayal of the era and its cultural backdrop.
Daniela Piperno as Adalgisa Ferrari
In a poignant depiction, Daniela Piperno embodies Adalgisa Ferrari, the mother of Enzo Ferrari. Her presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the familial ties and personal struggles that shaped Enzo’s journey. Her passing in 1954 marked a pivotal moment in his life.
Plot:
The summer of 1957 is the setting for this exciting story. Behind the glitz and glamour of Formula 1, the former race car driver Enzo Ferrari is having a hard time. The plant that he and his wife, Laura, carefully built from scratch ten years ago is now in danger of going bankrupt. The death of their son Dino a year ago has made their already troubled marriage even worse. In the middle of all this chaos, Ferrari struggles to accept his son Piero, who was born from his relationship with Lina Lardi.
During the events of the movie, Enzo Ferrari faces many problems in his personal and business life. Ferrari is at a crossroads because he is getting a divorce, and his finances are about to fall apart. At the same time, the stress of heading a group of drivers in the Mille Miglia, a dangerous 1,000-mile race across Italy, tests their endurance to the limit.
In addition, the movie shows the very heated court case that followed a terrible accident that ended the race forever. Manslaughter charges were brought against Ferrari because of a problem with one of his own cars. The best way to find out what really happened to Ferrari during all of these problems is to see the movie for yourself.
Ferrari Release Date:
“Ferrari” is poised to captivate audiences, hitting US screens on December 25, 2023, followed closely by UK cinemas on December 26, 2023. Mark your calendars for a cinematic journey into the life of Enzo Ferrari.
Where to Watch Ferrari?
As of the latest updates, “Ferrari” promises to be an immersive theatrical experience exclusively available in theaters. The silver screen is where this cinematic journey into Enzo Ferrari’s life will truly come to life, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience. The movie might be available to stream on Hulu in the future, as Neon has the rights to the movie.
Watch the trailer here: