Adam Driver, Michael Mann and the entire production of Ferrari have been accused of cultural appropriation due to the actor playing Enzo Ferrari despite not being Italian.
The biopic tells the story of Enzo, a young Italian from humble beginnings who went on to become the most influential figure in the history of motorsport.
It co-stars Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Gabriel Leone, Sarah Gadon, Jack O'Connell and Patrick Dempsey.
It recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival but not everyone is a fan, especially Italian film star Pierfrancesco Favino.
"There's an issue of cultural appropriation," he said this week.
"Instead, the parts are given to foreign actors who are distant from the story's real protagonists, starting with the exotic accents. If a Cuban can't play a Mexican, why can an American play an Italian? It only happens with us.
"In another time (Vittorio) Gassman would have played Ferrari. Now, Driver does it and no one says anything."
Driver defended by Ferrari producer
Ferrari producer Andrea Iervolino has defended the decision to cast Driver in the role as he believes it is necessary for Italian culture to be showcased worldwide, and in this case that meant casting an A-list actor.
"Italian cinema needs to look beyond Italy and come up with synergies with the international film industry, which wants to invest in Italian icons," he said in Venice.
"Films like Ferrari, which will be distributed in 150 countries, promote Italy and Italian genius. Italy must make films based on stories that speak to the whole world, with international stars who work side by side with our own talent."
Driver himself recently revealed that he wasn't actually allowed to get behind the wheel of a real Ferrari for the movie.
“They wouldn’t let me drive the cars for insurance reasons," the actor told Collider.
"They don’t trust me with small pieces of equipment. Big pieces of equipment like sandwiches they’ll let me handle.”
The irony of being named Driver...
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