Actor Amanda Seyfried of The Art of Racing in the Rain says that the film, in just two hours, gives the audience an opportunity to grow tremendously. By Team Viva
Based on the eponymous bestselling novel by Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain, a comedy drama, follows Denny Swift, an F1 driver and his dog, Enzo, who believes in the legend that a dog “who is prepared” will be reincarnated as a human in its next life.
Actor Amanda Seyfried or Eve talks about her character and her relationship with other characters and dogs, and what the audience could take away from the film.
Excerpts:
What made you go for the role?
It didn’t take much to sell me on it. Well, if a story is good, I don’t even care to read the script. Something similar happened here! I didn’t feel like reading the script at that point because it just seemed like a perfect little package. The script ended up being so great. It just felt like one of those gems that don’t come along very often. This is special and I think book fans are going to love the film, too. I know they will!
Why do you think dogs make great characters?
If it’s a dog, it’s its smell, wide-eyed innocence, playfulness, loyalty and curiosity. Dogs just want to love you and live in the present and we could all learn that that’s a big giant challenge for us humans to live in the present. But dogs just do it naturally and it’s a beautiful thing to watch. I really enjoyed working on this film for this very reason too — having a dog as a co-actor!
Why do you think Denny and Eve connect so well?
Denny carries his shiny unpredictability along with him. He comes as an adventure in Eve’s life she’s unaware of. She wasn’t necessarily looking for that but I think it’s very appealing. Denny is kind of a lone ranger. That is why I think they are kind of perfect for each other. They bring out a lot in each other and they also show and rather, reflect the kind of life they might want.
What would you say about Eve’s relationship with Trish and Maxwell?
She has a really good relationship with them but only until a new person enters Eve’s life. I think their instinct is to protect her. But it turns out to be very harmful to the dynamic that they create with Denny, especially because not only is he coming into their lives and marrying their daughter but he also has a somewhat dangerously unpredictable job. Hence, they are a little concerned but well, yes, they are a little too much! (Laughs)
Anything about working with Parker, the dog who plays Enzo...
Parker is really fun to be around with. He is sweet and smart. He reads the room well and is very respectful. It’s like he is older than his two years of age. I found him quite similar to my dog who can just chill anywhere.
What do you think the audience will take away from this film?
I think in just two hours, this film gives the audience an opportunity to grow tremendously and understand a lot of things about life and its pursuits. They maybe find it entertaining too. But yes, if someone can really get something from this film, they could get a perspective, especially during times like these, on the feeling of belonging with your family and being with them. Also, you might feel like rescuing a dog afterwards or things like, ‘I think I should have a dog, too.’
(Directed by Simon Curtis, the film premieres on August 23 at 12 pm and 9 pm on Star Movies.)