Pop Banter

Michael Mann’s biopic about the life of Enzo Ferrari offers a speculative look at a man who was known to be intensely private. Set in post-war Italy in the late 1950s, the film injects audiences at a time of uncertainty and upheaval in Ferrari’s life. His company is being threatened by bankruptcy while his family is being torn apart by secrecy and betrayal. Mann chooses to explore the interplay of business and family relationships as a way of revealing layers of identity formation for those closest to the man known as “Il Commendatore.”

Loss of Dino Ferrari: We learn early in the film about the tragic loss of Ferrari’s firstborn son, Dino, to muscular dystrophy. This would undoubtedly have been a deeply personal and painful experience for Enzo. And this grief likely fueled his desire to shield his family from public scrutiny. It’s in this context that viewers are drawn into the conflict between Ferrari–played by Adam Driver–and his wife Laura, played by Penelope Cruz. Driver and Cruz together embrace the duality of partnership of their real-life counterparts.

Strained Marital Relationship: The loss of Dino might have intensified the strain in Enzo’s marriage with Laura. Personal tragedies often either bring couples closer or create emotional distance. In this instance, the strain appears to be much for the couple. Yet while the marriage dissolves, their business relationship ultimately intensifies. It’s as if both husband and wife realize what’s at stake, not merely for themselves, but for company and the nation as a whole. The strong sense of national identity alongside competitiveness drive both parties forward.

Cultural Pressures: Though Ferrari was a point of pride for the sport of motor racing, the notoriety also came with greater scrutiny. Italy in the 1950s was deeply rooted in traditional values, and extramarital affairs were frowned upon. Enzo Ferrari, being a prominent figure, would have felt the need to protect his public image.

Conception with Lina Lardi: Enzo Ferrari’s relationship with his mistress, Lina Lardi (played by Shailene Woodley) resulted in the birth of Piero Ferrari. The societal norms of the time, especially in conservative Italy, would have compelled Enzo to keep the nature of Piero’s conception private to avoid scandal. He goes to great lengths to also shield the truth from his wife. This shielding proves precarious for Ferrari as both son and mistress are made to live life on the fringes to allow Ferrari to keep the appearance of a traditional family. Ferrari wrestles with the duality of his public and private personas throughout the film.

Psychological Effects: Ferrari’s wife Laura struggles with betrayal, compounded by her feelings of inadequacy as wife and mother. This drives her to the brink of paranoia and rage as her suspicions about her husband’s double life are eventually confirmed. Through her sleuthing she comes to learn of Ferrari’s illegitimate son by another woman, a pain all the more intensified by the loss of Dino. At once, her identity as wife and mother are challenged, leaving her with role of confidant and business partner to Enzo. Laura ultimately decides to honor this partnership on the condition that the identity of her husband’s other son be kept secret until after her death.

Enzo’s Identity Crisis: The complex dynamics of Enzo’s personal life may have led to an internal struggle in terms of his identity as a father, husband, and entrepreneur. Balancing these roles while maintaining secrecy could have caused internal conflicts, such that he could not fully acknowledge his role as father to Piero.

Piero’s Identity Crisis: Piero Ferrari, being born out of wedlock, might have faced his own identity crisis. The secrecy surrounding his conception and parentage could have impacted his sense of self and belonging. It seems that Enzo understands this, and realizes he must do more to embrace Piero as his own and bring him into the fold.

Piero’s Role in the Business: Despite the circumstances of his birth, Piero Ferrari later played a significant role in his father’s business. His position as vice chairman of Ferrari is a manifestation of how familial bonds were maintained and even strengthened through the family business. The intertwining of family relationships and the business might have been a way for both Enzo and Piero to find common ground and build a connection despite the challenges in their personal history.

In the end, audiences get a beautiful look into the growth of relational bonds between father and son. Enzo Ferrari’s ability to maintain secrecy about his personal life, navigate the challenges of a strained marital relationship, and integrate his illegitimate son into the family business speaks to the complex interplay between public persona, societal expectations, and the dynamics of family relationships in mid-20th-century Italy.