Biopics Reign the 2023 Film Scene with "The Iron Claw" and "Ferrari"
The year 2023 is seeing a strong lineup of biographical films that delve into the lives of notable historical figures and celebrities.
Morgan Riley
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 07:38 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - From "Oppenheimer" to "Golda," audiences worldwide are getting a cinematic glimpse into the complexities of famous personalities. Among the releases is "The Iron Claw," a film about the storied Von Erich wrestling family, which has already premiered in the United States. The movie is expected to reach other local markets within the next one and a half weeks. Meanwhile, the recent release, "Ferrari," starring Adam Driver as the iconic Italian motor racing manufacturer Enzo Ferrari, zoomed into theaters at the end of the week. This particular biopic distills a tumultuous year in Ferrari's life, 1957, highlighting his professional challenges and personal turmoil.
A Portrait of Enzo Ferrari's Personal Strife
In "Ferrari," the audience witnesses the motoring magnate grappling with a series of harrowing events, including the grief over his son’s death. Penelope Cruz takes on the role of Ferrari’s wife, whose discontent simmers over her husband's affair and the existence of their illegitimate son. Further straining the personal narrative, the film shows the Ferrari company teetering on the edge of bankruptcy due to Enzo's unwavering commitment to racing.
The film adds depth to its portrayal of Enzo Ferrari through the inclusion of actor and real-life race car driver Patrick Dempsey, who plays renowned driver Piero Taruffi. Tension builds as Ferrari's desperation to save his faltering company culminates in the stakes of the famed Mille Miglia race. The cinematic recreation of racing events, and the associated perils, stands out in the movie, particularly the tragic accident that claimed the lives of several bystanders.
Embracing Death's Universality
"Ferrari" charts the grim narrative of a life surrounded by death. It is not only racers and spectators who meet their end; Ferrari's son also passes away, not in a dramatic racing accident but in an unexpectedly commonplace manner. The film underscores the indiscriminate nature of premature death, touching all lives irrespective of their association with the dangerous world of racing, thereby weaving an intricate tale of professional brilliance shadowed by personal tragedy.
