Gosling shows a softer side in Lars and the Real Girl
There rarely comes a film that can make you laugh and cry but “Lars And The Real Girl” is one of them. Besides Ryan Gosling fans and Indie flick lovers, the film was pretty much unheard of when released in theatres in 2007, but with the release of the movie on DVD, it’s finally getting the exposure it needs.
The star of the film, Canadian born actor Gosling is always intriguing. Staying away from the norm and taking on roles that are challenging and out of the ordinary his new character Lars Lindstorm is no exception.
While Gosling has picked some darker roles in past films “The Believer,” “The United States of Leland,” and 2006’s Oscar nominated “Hawk Nelson,” Gosling switches gears to show a softer side that audiences have never seen.
Although The Notebook’s Noah Calhoun was sweet he also made us swoon. Lars on the other hand is sweet but what makes his character easy to fall in love with is his ability to reach into our heart and tug on emotions we didn’t know exist, something only a great actor can do.
The Story of “Lars and the Real Girl” Is a beautiful tale. Placed in a small town in the middle of winter, audiences first meet the quiet 27 yr old introvert when he is first invited to dinner by his sister in law, Karen who is concerned about Lars who insists on staying at home more often than none.
Not knowing exactly is wrong with Lars, the audience clearly detects loneliness in various scenes. This leads to Lars to buying a life size doll on which he names Bianca.
Viewers will laugh as Lars first takes Bianca to dinner at his brother Gus’s house, and introduces her as his missionary, half Brazilian and half Dutch girlfriend.
As his family becomes more concerned, they are forced to play along after a visit to the doctor who informs them of Lars delusion. Although what he is compensating for this delusion is not blatantly stated, snapshots of the problem slowly unravel throughout the film.
From going to church, to reading to children at preschool, and going to a co-workers party, Lars finds support in his family and community that are ever willing to go along with Lars and accommodate Bianca. Although witty and hilarious at times, there is also a sense of deep compassion and empathy for Lars whom you root on to find healing.
You’ll rejoice when Lars goes bowling with Margo, a spunky co-worker that becomes Lars real life love interest and cry as he lets go out of his past pain and also of Bianca. This movie sends a incredibly moving message. Living in a world where society sometimes labels people with disorders and problems as “Crazy” or “Weird” Lars does the opposite. It finds beauty in the broken by giving the message to love and help others in need, to not be afraid, and that those with these problems can find hope and get well.