Penelope Cruz called the Ferrari character a “beautiful tribute” to women who “continue to live in the shadow of men”

TO Raven Brunner

Enzo Ferrari may have been the face of popular car manufacturer Ferrari, but Michael Mann’s 2023 biographical thriller introduces viewers to his wife Laura Ferrari, played by Penelope Cruz.

During a press conference at the 61st New York Film Festival on Friday, October 13, 2023, Cruise spoke about her character’s emotional journey throughout the film, calling it “a beautiful tribute to all the women who continue to live in the shadows of men.” “

Speaking about the script, written by Troy Kennedy Martin, Cruise shared, “It gave me such a huge treasure with this character that represents so many women in history.”

IN Ferrari, set in 1957, Laura discovers that her husband Enzo (Adam Driver) is having an affair with another woman, Lina Lardy (Shailene Woodley), with whom he has a secret child. Despite this, Laura still consults her husband with the company and makes sacrifices along the way.

“There are still women who are constantly devalued for what they do and who work in the shadows and hide,” Cruz said. “In this case, Laura has a husband who loves and respects her, even though they hate each other and literally kill each other.”

The actor added that in real life Laura Ferrari was “more involved” in the company’s affairs than shown in the film. “I found out that before the races she slept next to the tires so that no one would damage them. I wish it was here, but even if that scene isn’t here (in the film), Michael found a way to convey all of that, the importance that she had as a woman during those years.”

Acknowledging that the story “could have gone in many different directions,” Cruise added, “She could have been a very sad woman… Again, they hate each other, but they love each other.” She added that she thought the character was “written and directed in such a way that it was a wonderful tribute to all the women who continue to live in the shadow of men.”

Based on the 1991 biography of Brock Yates. Enzo Ferrari: Man and Machine, Ferrari follows former racing driver Enzo Ferrari as he tries to save his and his wife’s business from bankruptcy by forming a team to compete in a dangerous 1,000-mile race across Italy.

Ferrari theatrical releases December 25, 2023 and New York Film Festival screenings Friday, October 6, Friday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:15 a.m., 9 p.m. :30, 21:45 and Sunday, October 15 at 14:45.