Interview with the Cast of “The Art of Racing in the Rain” In Theaters 8/9

Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is a heartfelt tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life.

The film follows Denny and the loves of his life – his wife, Eve (Amanda Seyfried), their young daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.

Many of you know what a big dog (and cat) lover I am and love any movie that showcases the beautiful relationship we have with our pets. The Art of Racing in the Rain is such a touching film – from the very human-like personality Enzo has to the complicated relationships between family members. It is one of those movies that will make you want to go home and give your dog a big hug.

I joined the cast and filmmakers last Thursday at The Capitan Theater for the red carpet premiere and was passing out tissues to both my seat mates. Bring tissue. It is a movie about life and our relationships, and the heartbreak and joy that comes with living a full life. And most important it is a film about hope and how we can overcome so much.

Interview with the cast and filmmaker

Last weekend I had a chance to interview cast members Milo Ventimiglia and Amanda Seyfried, and Director Simon Curtis.

Simon Curtis said he read the book about 7 years ago and feels now more than ever the film is right for our times. He feels the film is a timely reminder of what is important in all of our lives and we should cherish our family, friends our pets because you never know what is around the corner.

Kevin Costner was his first choice to play Enzo and he was quite easy to cast since he had read the book and loved it. One of the bloggers asked if he knew he would make the audience cry so much and he said that there is something about the combination of dogs and cars that gives men permission to be emotional as well. He said he inspired by such big emotional films like Terms of Endearment, Ordinary People, Kramer vs. Kramer and that he feels there aren’t enough big emotion in cinema these days and that he doesn’t get moved very often. This story reminded him of those films.

Milo said that he studied Italian while going to UCLA but he heard mostly Sicilian growing up which he said is a little different. He said he also studied Japanese in college and speaks more Japanese than Italian. I threw out a couple Japanese words (I spent three years in Japan as an ESL Teacher) and later I asked him his favorite Japanese word. He said Notan which means the elements of dark and light are equally important and need each other to exist. It sounded pretty and coming from him, even prettier! I told him my favorite word was Hagetama which means bald. I don’t know why but I’ve always thought that was the best (funniest) word to say! But imagine, he has this beautiful Japanese concept Notan and I come out with balding man. Ha! We all agreed that his Italian in the movie was spot on!

When asked why he wanted to do the movie, he joked and said it was because of Amanda Seyfried. These two have great chemistry in person and in the film for sure! He said he was attracted to the film because it is a beautiful human story told through a unique point of view. And he liked playing a good guy and hoped to inspire other men to be a good person, father, husband and friend, and all that wrapped into a beautiful message of hope and love that goes beyond what we know of this existence. Amanda agreed and said she loves how animals teach us about what is important.

Milo said this character one, reaffirms the way he was raised, and two, how he tries to carry himself and what he has learned from the good father’s and husband’s in his own life. And how they look to be a source of inspiration, protection and safety for their own kids.

There is a lot that Danny goes through, and we all go through a lot in life, like it’s challenging and hard but if you can navigate that, and understand the rain isn’t always going to be coming down on you – you can make it to the other side and have a positive life.

~ Milo Ventimiglia

Amanda says that it is refreshing to see Milo’s character, Danny, who stumbles and doesn’t say “why me” but he gets back up and keeps going. And she noticed that she doesn’t think she had ever hear Milo has ever complained – that he is like his character.

He feels like he is equipped to handle things that come his way because of his upbringing.

Milo says it was a magical film to work on, from the cast to crew, and he thinks it shows in the film and when he see’s people have such a strong emotional reaction with the film, he thinks it is because they created this great working experience.

Amanda says this film helped her focus on what’s most important in her life which is her family and has become more selective on what projects she takes on.

I am so glad that she and Milo both star in this heartwarming film. They both were so incredibly thoughtful and just nice people! The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautiful story and one the whole family can enjoy.

In theaters on August 9, 2019 

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN Official Channels
OFFICIAL SITE: www.TheArtOfRacingInTheRainMovie.com
FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/ArtofRacingMovie
TWITTER: www.Twitter.com/TheArtOfRacing
INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/ArtofRacingMovie
HASHTAG: #ArtOfRacing

Rating PG
Starring: Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker, Ryan Keira Armstrong, Martin Donovan and the voice of Kevin Costner
Directed By: Simon Curtis
Produced By: Neal H. Moritz, Patrick Dempsey, Tania Landau

Thank you to 20th Century Fox for hosting me and to Bailey44 for dressing me for the premiere!

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