In an upcoming film titled Ferrari, director Michael Mann presents a harrowing re-enactment of one of the most notorious disasters in racing history. The climactic scene portrays the tragic 1957 crash in Guidizzolo, Italy, that claimed the lives of 11 people, including Ferrari driver Alfonso de Portago. Set to be available for streaming on January 23, this cinematic sequence captivates viewers with its raw and unadorned portrayal of the devastation.

Unlike typical car crash scenes, Mann takes an uncompromising and matter-of-fact approach, refusing to shy away from the full tragedy of the event. By eliminating any flashy effects or stylization, he allows audiences to confront the grim reality head-on. Notably, the action is even slowed down slightly to ensure every harrowing detail is seen, leaving viewers gripped by the authenticity of the scene. Mann goes beyond the crash itself, offering a glimpse of the gruesome aftermath depicted in the film.

Mann's dedication to historical accuracy is evident in the meticulous preparation for the scene. While scouting the original crash site, Mann and his location manager, Janice Polley, encountered an elderly eyewitness who shared his firsthand account. This moving encounter inspired Mann to incorporate the witness's story into the film's script, adding an extra layer of emotional authenticity.

Due to changes in the roads over the years, the production team scouted a different location near Modena to recreate the crash scene. Mann ensured the presence of rows of cypress trees, reminiscent of the original road, to evoke a haunting "tunnel of fate" for de Portago's last drive.

Eyewitnesses from the time reported hearing the distinct sound of a tire blowout, while forensic analysis provided insights into the car's movements during the crash. The production team diligently reconstructed these details, employing a combination of extras and stunt people to depict the spectators. During the pivotal moment of the crash, the crew cleverly replaced the crowd with mannequins, acting as markers which would later be digitally replaced with lifelike versions of the same people.

The crash sequence unfolds as de Portago's car careens out of control, ultimately colliding with a telephone pole and causing a catastrophic impact on the surrounding crowd. This collision took out the power lines, leaving the incident shrouded in confusion for hours. It is believed that the telephone pole might have been responsible for de Portago's fatal injuries.

Mann's meticulous attention to detail is exemplified by his desire to capture the destructive force of the crash in one continuous shot. Drawing inspiration from BBC footage of a tragic 1955 incident at Le Mans, where a car plowed into the crowd and claimed the lives of 83 people, Mann sought to convey the horrifying reality of the crash. By showing the car as a "hot, flaming metallic scythe cutting through human bodies," Mann aimed to create a visceral experience for viewers.

Safety considerations aside, Mann and his team meticulously positioned extras and stunt people based on the positions of the mannequins after the crash. Striving for authenticity, they arranged de Portago's body as it was originally found, although some of the more gruesome details were omitted for the sake of a respectful portrayal.

Working closely with archival photographs, Mann and his team painstakingly recreated the wreckage of the Ferrari, faithfully reproducing even the bent steering wheel, reflecting their commitment to accuracy in depicting the aftermath of the crash.

The cinematic sequence in Ferrari promises to be a significant highlight of the film, offering a poignant and unforgettable glimpse into one of racing's darkest moments. With its uncompromising depiction of tragedy and a commitment to historical authenticity, Mann's work captures the horrors and consequences of the 1957 crash in a profoundly affecting way.