This summer has undeniably been a peak one for memorable experiences when heading to the movies. From catchingOppenheimerin an all-encompassing IMAX to dressing up like you live in a Dream House of your own while attending a screening ofBarbie, it’s been a wonderful time to be a film-lover. While every filmmaker sets out to engage their audience differently, hoping to keep them coming back with their own creative vision,Michael Mannsays that he wants his viewers to experience the feeling of being in a “wide-awake dream” while sinking into their seats. In an interview withVariety, during which he spoke about his upcoming film,Ferrari, the legendary director touched on his hopes for the feelings and emotions that his projects are able to convey.
To start with, Mann reveals that before getting started, he asks the questions, “What is this world? What does it feel like? And what do I have to do to bring an audience to dream it?” From there, he’s able to build out his characters - whether that beDaniel Day Lewis’ Hawkeye inThe Last of the MohicansorAl PacinoandRobert De Niro’s bitter rivalry as an LAPD detective and criminal, respectively, inHeat. Now, with his characters in place and the visual,auditory, and story aspects taking off, Mann knows that he’s in the zone. “I know what I want when I go to a movie,” Mann says, revealing his own expectations, “I want to be there. I want to be in a wide-awake dream for a couple of hours.”
Fromhis workbehind bothThe Last of the MohicansandHeatas well as other fan-favorites includingManhunter,The Insider,Ali, andCollateral, it’s safe to say that Mann has achieved that dream-like mindset in each one of his titles. WithFerrarishifting into gear for its release at the end of the year, we can only expect more of those dreamy moments that can only be accomplished by a dedicated team of cinema lovers.
Image via Lorenzo Sisti
What’sFerrariAbout?
In the past, Mann has gone all in with his call sheets, having worked with the likes ofJames Caan,Tom Cruise,Jamie Foxx, and more. Like his previous projects,Ferraripromises to be no different withAdam Driverhopping behind the wheel of the biographical drama asEnzo Ferrari. Joining him is a stackedcastthat includesPenélope Cruz,Shailene Woodley,Patrick Dempsey, and more in the true story about the man behind the business and the lengths that he went to in order to keep it and his family together.
Speeding into theaters on July 28, 2025, Mann’s latest vehicle will pit him against other big titles hoping to draw in the holiday crowds. As of right now, no trailer forFerrarihas been released but check out a taste of Mann’s style in the trailer forHeatbelow.
