Based on the profoundly written novel by Garth Stein, “The Art Of Racing In The Rain” is a beautifully written story narrated by a golden retriever named Enzo, voiced by Kevin Costner, after racecar legend Enzo Ferrari. British film director and producer, Simon Curtis, did an excellent job with the creation of the recent film released on August 9, 2019. However, Curtis only half managed to capture the essence of the novel, considering his decision to cut out important events. The story begins when Denny (Milo Ventimiglia) buys Enzo from a farm outside of Seattle. Enzo observes human life as if he is one of them and becomes Denny’s loyal best friend throughout the remainder of the film. Denny meets a girl named Eve (Amanda Seyfriend), who spends a lot of time with him, causing Enzo to become jealous of the attention Denny gives her. Denny and Eve eventually marry and have their daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong). Enzo grows to become extremely protective over Eve and Zoe.
Enzo seems to understand humans better than they understand themselves. Without the ability to talk, one becomes more observant. This is exactly what Enzo does throughout the film and he understands how his family’s emotions operate. Enzo particularly loves car racing. He loves watching recordings of races with Denny and he loves watching
Denny race. Denny repeats several quotes throughout the movie, one of them being “the car goes where the eyes go.” This phrase becomes significantly important to the plot. Things begin to go south when Enzo smells brain cancer in one of the family members and describes it as a rotting smell. We get to know Eve’s parents a lot more toward the climax of the film; Enzo refers to them as “the twins.” Things only deteriorate from here when a custody battle for Zoe breaks out between Denny and Zoe’s grandparents. It turns ugly for Denny as he faces more obstacles including financial problems as well.
Specifically, Curtis and screenwriter Mark Bomback decided it would be best to cut out a false rape accusation storyline. The decision to do this robs the story of its true meaning. It seems as if the director was holding back, and not allowing the movie to display the emotions and chaos it should have. However, everyone loves dog movies and this one can be added to the list of favorites. The use of likable characters and well-known actors to play them, really did the film justice. “The Art Of Racing In The Rain” clearly breaks out the water works. There is obviously love behind every detail, and for most of the audience, that is more than satisfactory.
