The action-drama film ‘Speed Kills,’ released in 2018, brings to the big screen the captivating tale of the legendary speedboat designer and racer, Ben Aronoff, a role brilliantly executed by John Travolta. The movie, although largely based on the actual life of boat builder Donald Joel Aronow, introduces a few creative twists to the plot.
In the cinematic rendition of ‘Speed Kills,’ Ben Aronoff is depicted as the father of two sons, Gavin and Wylie. The film paints a picture of tumultuous personal life due to his unyielding pursuit of success in the speedboat industry, resulting in a strained marital relationship leading to a divorce from his wife, Emily. The film further adds a tragic layer to the narrative with a devastating car accident involving his other son, Andrew, resulting in a life-altering injury and Andrew’s subsequent loss of mobility.
However, it’s essential to note that Gavin and Wylie are purely fictional characters, their real-life counterparts don’t exist. The movie ‘Speed Kills’ is a creative work that weaves together fact and fiction to narrate the compelling life journey of a man entangled in success, personal trials, and criminal associations.
The film provides a dramatic account of Ben Aronoff’s family life, touching upon various controversies and tragedies. The emotional complexity of Ben’s character is heightened after the accident involving Andrew, which serves as a turning point in his life and further complicates his relationships.
While the movie suggests Ben’s attempts to distance himself from his criminal connections and the underworld, these associations bring additional challenges to his personal life.
The role of Ben Aronoff, as portrayed in ‘Speed Kills,’ is a creative interpretation inspired by Donald Joel Aronow’s life. The film depicts Ben as a successful speedboat designer and racer, who garners considerable acclaim in the offshore racing world.
This character’s journey closely follows that of the real-life Donald Aronow, who founded Magnum Marine in 1966 and earned widespread recognition for his high-speed boats. In its narrative, the movie incorporates elements from Donald Aronow’s life, including his significant accomplishments in boat racing and the creation of iconic boat models such as Cigarette, Donzi, Formula, and Cary.
The film also addresses the tragic assassination of the character, reflecting the real-life circumstances surrounding Donald Aronow’s death. Notably, the depiction of Ben’s family in ‘Speed Kills’ primarily serves the film’s dramatic narrative rather than a factual representation of Donald Aronow’s family life.
