Adam Driver celebrated for his dynamic roles, is back in the spotlight with his portrayal of Enzo Ferrari in the new biopic ‘Ferrari Movie‘, directed by Michael Mann. Released globally on Christmas Day, the film has quickly become a topic of conversation, particularly regarding Driver’s attempt at an Italian accent, eliciting mixed reactions from audiences on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).
Accent Attracts Attention in Star-Studded Film
In ‘Ferrari’, Driver embodies Enzo Ferrari, joined by Penélope Cruz as Laura Ferrari, Shailene Woodley as Lina Lardi, and Patrick Dempsey as Piero Taruffi. Despite the film’s aim to explore the intricate life of the famed Italian race car driver and entrepreneur, it’s the Driver’s Italian accent that has stolen the spotlight, dividing fans and critics alike. Comments on social media range from calls for a reassessment of the accents by Driver and Woodley, to outright disappointment from viewers expecting a more authentic portrayal.
Echoes of ‘House of Gucci’
This portrayal marks the second time Driver has adopted an Italian accent, following his role in Ridley Scott’s 2021 film ‘House of Gucci‘. The similarity in his accent across both films has not gone unnoticed by the audience, sparking further debate over his portrayal of culturally nuanced characters.
Driver’s Candid Response to Criticism
Aside from his on-screen performance, Driver, who also serves as an executive producer for ‘Ferrari’, made headlines with his candid reaction to a question about the film’s crash scenes at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland. Confronted with a critical inquiry about the scenes, Driver’s straightforward retort, “F*** you? I don’t know. Next question,” was a stark reminder of his straightforward approach to criticism.
Strong Reception at Venice Film Festival
Despite the divided opinions on his accent, ‘Ferrari’ was met with significant acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a six-minute standing ovation. This response at such a prestigious film event highlights the film’s overall impact and the emotional depth of Driver’s performance.