Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend - A Review
The biopic “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend” tells the story of Ferruccio Lamborghini, a man driven by ambition, whose personal life took a backseat to his professional pursuits. However, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, falling into familiar biopic tropes.
Romano Reggiani as Ferruccio Lamborghini
The film opens with a young Ferruccio Lamborghini (Romano Reggiani) returning home after World War II. While his parents are content with farming, Ferruccio’s passion lies in mechanics and engineering. He declares his ambition to build sports cars, a dream he eventually realizes after initially finding success manufacturing tractors. In his 40s, Ferruccio (Frank Grillo) finally creates his dream sports car, setting the stage for a rivalry with Ferrari. However, personal happiness eludes him.
Production Changes and Expectations
Originally, Michael Radford was slated to direct, with Antonio Banderas in the lead role. Alec Baldwin was considered for the role of Enzo Ferrari. However, these prominent figures eventually left the project. The initial script reportedly delved deeper into Ferruccio’s childhood and the post-war era, a period of both hardship and opportunity in a rebuilding Europe.
Ultimately, Bobby Moresco, an Oscar winner for “Crash,” took on the roles of director and screenwriter. Frank Grillo, known for action roles, portrays Lamborghini, while Gabriel Byrne plays Ferrari. With the departure of Radford and Banderas, expectations for the biopic diminished.
Frank Grillo as Ferruccio Lamborghini
A Flawed Portrayal
The film portrays Lamborghini as a man who prioritized work over personal relationships. Based on the memoirs of Ferruccio’s estranged son, the film presents a less-than-sympathetic portrayal of the Italian entrepreneur. Following the death of his first wife (Hanna van der Westhuysen) during childbirth, Lamborghini seemingly abandons hope for personal happiness, entering into a strained marriage with Annita (Mira Sorvino). Their relationship is marked by constant conflict, and Ferruccio neglects his son, attempting to resolve issues with money.
Frank Grillo as Ferruccio Lamborghini
Echoes of Steve Jobs?
Lamborghini’s work ethic and personality bear a resemblance to Steve Jobs as portrayed in Danny Boyle’s biopic: challenging relationships with subordinates, bold ideas, and eccentric behavior. In the face of adversity, Ferruccio delivers impassioned speeches about overcoming obstacles and achieving eventual triumph. He could easily be a motivational speaker, emphasizing his self-made success. However, the film fails to truly explore the essence of Lamborghini’s success, suggesting it was a combination of luck and a relentless desire to surpass Enzo Ferrari. The film highlights a past rejection by Ferrari, fueling Lamborghini’s ambition. Throughout the film, Ferrari and Lamborghini are seen driving their respective cars, engaging in a nocturnal race and exchanging enigmatic glances.
A Predictable Narrative
The film’s narrative revolves around Ferruccio’s conflicts, first with his skeptical father and then with his rival, Ferrari. This approach is unconventional for a biopic, as it reveals little about the protagonist beyond his ambition. The film lacks suspense, as the audience knows Lamborghini will create a legendary sports car brand.
While Frank Grillo delivers a committed performance, his dramatic range is primarily showcased in scenes of conflict with his wife. Ultimately, “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend” offers glimpses of beautiful cars and the opportunity to dream, but it ultimately falls short, blending into the ranks of formulaic biopics that fail to offer fresh perspectives on the lives of the rich and famous.