Ferrari, which tells the story of Enzo Ferrari and the formative days of his eponymous automotive firm, gained’t play down the carnage of racing at the moment.

The film, which stars Adam Driver as Ferrari, focuses on three months in 1957 that have been pivotal within the man’s profession and private life, director Michael Mann mentioned in a current interview with Selection. Ferrari had simply misplaced his son Dino to sickness, and his spouse Laure (performed by Penélope Cruz) would quickly discover out about his affair with Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley).

Ferrari’s firm was additionally failing, and within the film at the very least, the one manner to reserve it was for the manufacturing facility race staff to complete properly on the 1957 Mille Miglia. Named for its 1,000-mile distance, the race was run on public roads earlier than trendy security issues. In 1957, Ferrari driver Alfonso de Portago crashed within the Italian village of Guidizzolo, killing himself and 10 spectators, together with 5 youngsters. After 1957, the race was switched to a rally-style format, with vehicles solely driving at excessive speeds on closed levels.

Earlier than filming, Mann had cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt and his digital camera crew research footage of the 1955 deadly crash on the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes-Benz was launched into the grandstands, killing Levegh and what’s estimated to be greater than 80 spectators within the deadliest racing incident in historical past. Mann then made a visit to Guidizzolo, interviewing a witness to the 1957 crash.

The inspiration for Ferrari was one thing slightly extra nice. Within the interview, Mann mentioned he was impressed to make a film about Enzo Ferrari when he noticed a 275 GTB rolling down a London avenue whereas a movie pupil in 1967.

Mann began work on the film in 1993, after studying a script primarily based on the late Automotive and Driver editor Brock Yates’ biography of Enzo. The film remained in manufacturing hell for many years, getting near approval in 2014, with Christian Bale set to play Ferrari. Bale then dropped out (he would go on to play Ken Miles in 2019’s Ford v. Ferrari) and in 2020 Hugh Jackman entered to talks to play Ferrari. Now the film is lastly on the verge of reaching screens.

This text was initially printed by Motor Authority, an editorial accomplice of ClassicCars.com