LONDON, Dec 4 (Reuters) – American actor Adam Driver is once again using an Italian accent in his latest film, the veteran playing car maker Enzo Ferrari in a new biopic directed by Michael Mann.
Set in Modena, Italy in 1957, „Ferrari” focuses on a pivotal period in the life of a former racing driver as he overcomes the death of his son, struggles to keep his company afloat and dominates the racetrack.
Driver, who played Italian fashion heir Maurizio Gucci in „House of Gucci,” stars alongside Spanish actress Penelope Cruz as Ferrari’s wife, Laura.
„There was definitely an added pressure because we shot it in Modena, and the Ferrari iconography is very clear, and they remind you on a daily basis how much Ferrari means to that area in particular in Italy, not to mention Italy as a whole,” Driver told Reuters at the film’s UK premiere.
[1/5]Actor Adam Driver arrives on the red carpet at the London premiere of 'Ferrari’ on December 4, 2023 in London, Britain. REUTERS/Hollie Adams Get license rights
„So the pressure … was on getting it right.”
The film’s cast also includes American actress Shailene Woodley, Ferrari’s mistress and mother to his surviving son Piero, and American actor Patrick Dempsey, who portrays Italian racing driver Piero Taruffi.
His character takes part in fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled scenes of red sports cars competing in the famous Mille Miglia road race across Italy.
„Usually you take actors and you record additional dialogue,” Mann said of the film’s sound work. „We were doing extra car sounds with real cars.”
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, will be released later this month.
Report by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Sandra Maler
Our Standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.