Why a 2005 romantic comedy became a masterclass in on-set improvisation and dog training

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Must Love Dogs is often remembered as a predictable romantic comedy, but its production tells a more complex story. From the director’s fluid, evolving script process to the intensive training of its Newfoundland stars, the film was a unique experiment in collaboration between director Gary David Goldberg and leads Diane Lane and John Cusack.

Released in 2005, Must Love Dogs was the final project written, produced, and directed by Gary David Goldberg. Based on Claire Cook’s 2002 novel, the film centers on Sarah Nolan, a divorced preschool teacher navigating the modern dating scene. Goldberg’s creative process was notably unconventional; he preferred to cast his actors first and then write and rewrite scenes directly on set. This allowed for significant input from his leads, particularly John Cusack, who was encouraged to improvise dialogue.

For Diane Lane, this improvisational style was a source of professional anxiety. She later admitted that Cusack’s spontaneous additions to the script left her feeling nervous and out of her element, contrasting with her more traditional approach to acting. Despite these internal tensions, the film’s production was marked by a deep commitment to its supporting elements. Goldberg even adopted the two Newfoundland puppies, Molly and Mabel, who played the role of Mother Teresa after they finished filming.

Critical reception was largely mixed, with many reviewers noting that the film’s charm rested entirely on the likability of its leads rather than its narrative structure. While some critics dismissed the plot as clichéd, others praised the performances and the film’s ability to occasionally subvert expectations. Ultimately, the film grossed over $58 million worldwide, leaving behind a legacy as a modest, character-driven project that prioritized the chemistry of its stars over the rigidity of its screenplay.

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