The movie Ferrari ends with the devastating accident at the 1957 Mille Miglia, claiming the lives of driver Alfonso de Portago, co-driver Edmund Nelson, and nine spectators, including five children. Enzo Ferrari, though not physically present at the crash, faces immense public scrutiny and legal ramifications as his company and its relentless pursuit of speed are held partly accountable for the tragedy.
The 1957 Mille Miglia: A Crucible of Speed and Loss
The 1957 Mille Miglia, a grueling 1,000-mile road race across Italy, serves as the film’s dramatic climax. Enzo Ferrari, grappling with a company on the brink of collapse, a crumbling marriage, and the revelation of a second family, sees the race as a vital opportunity for victory, which could provide financial stability and bolster Ferrari’s reputation. The film meticulously builds tension as the race unfolds, highlighting the perilous conditions, the high stakes, and the unwavering commitment of the drivers.
The culminating crash, depicted with harrowing realism, occurs near the town of Guidizzolo. De Portago’s Ferrari 335 S suffers a tire blowout at high speed, sending the car careening into the crowd. The aftermath is devastating, marking a turning point for Ferrari, both personally and professionally. The film lingers on the immediate consequences: the carnage at the crash site, the somber faces of the Ferrari team members, and the mounting pressure on Enzo himself.
While the race continues for a short period after the accident, the victory achieved by Piero Taruffi feels hollow. The joy is overshadowed by the overwhelming grief and the looming legal battles. The final scenes show Enzo Ferrari, seemingly unburdened by emotion in public, privately contemplating the human cost of his ambition. He is shown attending the race, but keeping a distance from the drivers and press. He continues to pursue his passion, but the weight of the tragedy is palpable.
Facing the Music: Legal Battles and Public Scrutiny
Following the Mille Miglia disaster, Enzo Ferrari faced significant legal challenges. He was charged with manslaughter, although he was eventually acquitted after a lengthy investigation. The film only briefly touches on the legal proceedings, focusing instead on the immense public scrutiny and the moral questions surrounding the safety of racing and the prioritization of speed over human life.
The media frenzy surrounding the accident forced Ferrari to confront the ethical implications of his pursuit. He was portrayed by some as a callous and ruthless businessman, willing to sacrifice lives in the name of victory. The film subtly explores the nuances of this perception, suggesting that Enzo, while driven by ambition, also believed deeply in the power and beauty of automotive engineering. He saw racing as a necessary, albeit dangerous, component of developing and improving his cars.
The aftermath also profoundly impacted the future of motorsport. The Mille Miglia, deemed too dangerous, was permanently discontinued as a competitive event. The tragedy served as a catalyst for increased safety regulations in racing, a legacy born from loss and reflecting a shift in priorities towards protecting drivers and spectators.
Enzo’s Personal Turmoil: A Heavy Toll
Beyond the professional and legal ramifications, the film emphasizes the personal toll the Mille Miglia tragedy took on Enzo Ferrari. The accident further strained his already fragile marriage to Laura, who struggled with his infidelity and the death of their son, Dino. The weight of responsibility for the lives lost undoubtedly impacted him, even if he maintained a stoic public persona. The film leaves the audience contemplating the inner struggles of a man who dedicated his life to speed, but at a profound cost.
The closing scenes hint at the complexities of Enzo’s character: his unwavering dedication to his craft, his stoic acceptance of the risks involved, and the potential for both profound grief and unyielding ambition to coexist within a single individual. The film does not offer easy answers, but rather presents a nuanced portrait of a man forever marked by the events of the 1957 Mille Miglia. The impact the death had on his second son and family remains unexplored, however.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the ending of the movie Ferrari:
H3: What happened to Piero Taruffi after winning the 1957 Mille Miglia?
Piero Taruffi, despite winning the race, was deeply affected by the tragedy. This was his last major victory. He retired from racing and dedicated his time to writing about motorsport and promoting road safety. The shadow of the Mille Miglia tragedy arguably influenced his decision to step away from the sport.
H3: Was Enzo Ferrari really charged with manslaughter?
Yes, Enzo Ferrari and others associated with the Ferrari team were charged with manslaughter as a result of the accident. The legal proceedings were lengthy and complex. Ultimately, Enzo was acquitted, but the trial further damaged his reputation and placed a heavy burden on him.
H3: How accurate is the depiction of the Mille Miglia crash in the movie?
The movie aims for a high degree of accuracy in depicting the crash, drawing upon historical accounts and photographic evidence. However, as with any dramatization, certain artistic liberties are taken. The film’s portrayal of the immediate aftermath and the impact on the characters involved is based on available historical information, however details have been debated and scrutinized.
H3: What were the contributing factors to the De Portago crash?
While the film focuses on the tire blowout as the primary cause, several factors likely contributed to the crash. These include the high speeds at which the race was run, the poor road conditions, and the limited safety measures in place at the time. Tire technology in the 1950s was also less advanced, making blowouts more common.
H3: Did the Mille Miglia ever return after the 1957 disaster?
No, the Mille Miglia was never held again as a competitive road race after the 1957 tragedy. It continues today as a classic car rally, a historical tribute to the original event, but without the same competitive element.
H3: How did the Mille Miglia tragedy affect Ferrari’s reputation?
The accident significantly damaged Ferrari’s reputation, especially in the immediate aftermath. The company faced intense scrutiny and criticism for its alleged role in the tragedy. However, Ferrari eventually managed to rebuild its image, thanks to its continued success in Formula 1 and its enduring legacy of performance and design.
H3: What was the significance of the Mille Miglia race in Italian motorsport history?
The Mille Miglia was a pivotal event in Italian motorsport history. It was a showcase of Italian engineering prowess and a symbol of national pride. The race captured the imagination of the public and helped to popularize motorsport throughout Italy. Its abrupt end marked the end of an era and a turning point in the sport’s evolution.
H3: How did Enzo Ferrari react to the accident in real life?
Historical accounts suggest that Enzo Ferrari was deeply affected by the accident, although he rarely showed his emotions publicly. He maintained a stoic demeanor, but the event undoubtedly left a lasting impact on him. His relentless focus on competition and his public persona led many to misinterpret his reactions as indifference.
H3: Were there other fatalities during the Mille Miglia’s history?
Yes, there were fatalities in earlier years of the Mille Miglia’s history. The 1957 tragedy was the worst, but the race had always been inherently dangerous, resulting in deaths for both drivers and spectators across the competition’s lifespan.
H3: What were the long-term consequences of the 1957 Mille Miglia disaster for motorsport safety?
The 1957 Mille Miglia disaster prompted a significant re-evaluation of safety standards in motorsport. It led to increased regulations, improved track design, and advancements in driver safety equipment. The tragedy served as a harsh reminder of the need to prioritize safety in a sport that inherently involves risk.
H3: How does the movie Ferrari portray Enzo Ferrari’s complex personality?
The film portrays Enzo Ferrari as a complex and multifaceted character. He is shown as a brilliant engineer and businessman, but also as a flawed and often ruthless individual. He is driven by ambition, but also burdened by personal tragedy. The film attempts to explore the various facets of his personality, without offering easy judgments or simplistic interpretations.
H3: What message does the ending of Ferrari convey about ambition and its cost?
The ending of Ferrari serves as a cautionary tale about the potential cost of unchecked ambition. It suggests that the relentless pursuit of success can come at a significant price, both personally and for others. The film invites viewers to contemplate the ethical implications of striving for victory, particularly when human lives are at stake. It leaves the audience pondering whether the achievements are worth the sacrifice.