THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
US, 2019, 109 Minutes, Colour.
Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole, Kevin Costner as the voice of Enzo.
Directed by Simon Curtis.
The title certainly catches the attention. What kind of racing? What kind of art? And the rain?
The quick answers are: speed car racing; skills plus the innate gift for driving; and the challenge of rain, going into a deliberate skid before being forced to skid. And, according to the central character of this film, that is a skill for getting through the difficulties of life.
Readers of Garth Stein’s novel will know that the central character is, in fact, a dog. He is Enzo, bought as a puppy by his owner, racing car driver, Denny (Milo Ventimiglia). And they bond.
Not only is Enzo the central character but he provides the narration for the film, describing events, analysing characters, commenting on situations, a complete anthropomorphic dog character – except that Enzo is speaking to the audience and not to the other characters in the film. They perceive his body language – and seem to interpret him quite accurately. And the appeal of Enzo and his narration is that it is all done by Kevin Costner.
These comments will indicate whether the audience wants to see this film. It has a huge appeal to dog lovers. It is highly emotional, some might say sentimental, a film of empathy with Enzo. But, it may have little appeal to non-dog lovers who may not be caught up at all in Enzo’s view of life and his role in Danny’s life and his career.
Enzo also tells us that there is a Mongolian book which indicates that in reincarnation, dogs can become human. That is certainly his main aim in life, and with his psychological insights and commentary, he is a long way on this road. And, of course, there is the suggestion at the end…
So, Enzo observes Denny, his work in the garage, his training as a driver, some opportunities, but not an outstanding career. More successful is his encounter with Eve (Amanda Seyfried), courtship, marriage, birth of their daughter, Zoe, family life together.
But, there are several dramatic difficulties. Eve’s wealthy parents do not approve of Denny, especially her father, Maxwell (Martin Donovan being particularly arrogant), Trish, Kathy Baker, more sympathetic. There is also the drama of Eve’s illness and questions about custody for Zoe, Maxwell taking legal advantage of an outburst by Denny in desperation.
There is also a step forward in Denny’s career, as an instructor and trainer, an invitation to Italy from Ferrari.
Americans must be strong dog-lovers, judging from the very favourable and numerous comments on the Internet Movie Database.
British director, Simon Curtis, worked extensively on television including the film on assisted suicide, A Short Stay in Switzerland, moving to feature films, My Life with Marilyn, Woman in Gold, Goodbye Christopher Robin.
1. The popularity of the novel? Of the adaptation? For dog lovers? (Non-appeal for non-dog lovers?) Emotions and sentiment? Sentimentality?
2. The period, 1980s, costumes, decor, towns, homes, ordinary life? The contrast with the mansion? The musical score?
3. The title, racing, American race centres? Daytona? And the extension to Italy with Ferrari?
4. The novelty of the novel/ film? Enzo at the centre? As voiced by Kevin Costner? The range of the narration? The tone of voice, the anthropomorphic experience, the dog as human? The story of the books from Mongolia and reincarnation, dogs becoming human? Enzo wanting to be ready? His background story, Denny going to the pound, choosing him? His growing, the bond between Denny and the dog, true friendship? Audience response to the voice and narrative? Denny having to rely on expressions and body language?
5. Denny in himself, background of his life, his friends at the garage, caring for the cars, driving, his ambitions and hopes, his mentor?
6. Enzo, the title, the reflection on the rain, Denny explaining driving in the rain, skidding purposefully before any accident? And this as a metaphor for facing life?
7. Eve, the encounter with Denny, the attraction, discussions, courting and outings, marrying? The character, strong, vitality, teacher? The pregnancy, the birth of Zoe? The happy years with her husband and daughter?
8. Her father, the wealthy background, snobbery, hostility, intrusions into her life, into the marriage? Her mother supporting her husband get loving?
9. Danny, going to Daytona, the issue of not being present at the birth, Eve’s insisting he go? The reaction of her parents?
10. Denny, his continuing career, his pals at the garage, his teaching?
11. Enzo and his participation in the family life, initial suspicions of Eve, growing acceptance, his love for Zoe?
12. Eve, her illness, and his recognising it, her collapse in the woods, hospital, her being resigned?
13. Sally, strong character, love for her father, care for her mother? Love for her grandparents, going to their care, issues of custody?
14. Eve’s death, grief, the aftermath?
15. The arguments between Denny and his in-laws? Custody issues? His continuing mark his career? The confrontation with Maxwell, hitting him, Maxwell deciding to sue, Denny’s arrest, in prison? The meeting with the lawyer?
16. Audience sympathy with Denny, with Enzo, antipathy towards Maxwell? Enzo’s strong views?
17. Enzo, the accident with the car, going to the vet, recovering, money difficulties for Denny?
18. The meeting with the lawyer, advice, the different scenarios, the possibility for compromise? The document, and Enzo tearing it up?
19. The visit from Italy, the offer from Ferrari? Acknowledgement of Denny’s skills?
20. The court case, the attitude of the judge, the interrogations, Catherine and her testimony for her husband, her being compelled to tell the truth, Maxwell’s reaction? Custody for Denny?
21. The birthday party, the in-laws coming, the challenge to Denny, forgiveness?
22. Enzo, age, his death? The issue of reincarnation?
23. The scenes in Italy, the young boy and his interest – Enzo reincarnated?
24. A film for those who love racing driving – more for those who love dogs?
