The premise sounds like something straight out of a sleazy porno: A man falls for an anatomically correct doll. But the truth about "Lars and the Real Girl" is the polar opposite of what it sounds like. Craig Gillespie's comedy-drama is sweet, touching, and provocative. There are also a few laughs to be sure, but it's not a comedy like "There's Something about Mary."
Lars (Ryan Gosling) is as anti-social as they come. Not in a violent way, but in a sad, lonely way. He lives by himself in a little garage in the backyard of Gus and Karin's (Paul Schneider and Emily Mortimer)house, his brother and sister-in-law . One day Lars announces that he's got a girlfriend, who turns out to be a sex doll named Bianca. Gus and Karin are understandably flabbergasted, so they take Lars (and Bianca) to the local shrink, who says Lars has a delusion, and everyone has to go along with it. Meanwhile, Lars begins to become attracted to Margo (Kelli Garner).
Nancy Oliver's script is actually very simple, but it is made into a film with such tenderness and care that it becomes a complex movie. "Lars and the Real Girl" is as much about Lars' relationship with Bianca as it is about his personal growth. A lot of stuff happens in the movie, yet at the same time, not much does. Most of what does is very subtle, and has a lot to do with character (specifically Lars), instead of grand plot twists.
There are some movies that only work if everyone is on the same wavelength. Would "A Christmas Story" have worked if there was a character who didn't contain the spirit that flowed through Ralphie? "Lars and the Real Girl" is similar in that respect. Some strange things happen in the movie, but in order for that to work, we have to believe that everyone does what they do not because the script tells them to, but because their characters would do it. This film has a terrific cast with perfect performances filling every role.
Ryan Gosling has continued to prove that he's a force to be reckoned with in every performance he's been given. He has the gift of extraordinary versatility, and here he sets the tone for everything else in the movie to revolve around. It's one of his strongest performances.
Emily Mortimer has usually been reduced to thankless supporting roles, but hopefully now that will change. Mortimer is terrific here,showing true sympathy, and at times frustration, towards her troubled brother-in-law. Paul Schneider is also good as the older brother, who wants to help Lars, but thinks the doctor is nuts. Special mention goes to Kelli Garner for creating a character that is not only likable, but we believe that she is the perfect girl for Lars' affections because of her personality and not because the movie tells us to. Patricia Clarkson is great as the doctor who seems to be the only one who thinks that everything that goes on is perfectly normal.
Independent films are usually marketed in a very funny way. The studios that pick them up for distribution usually market them in the most appealing way, which is understandable, even though they are not like that at all. Like the somewhat inferior "Juno," "Lars and the Real Girl" is marketed as a comedy, and though it certainly contains a few smiles and laughs, it's actually more of a light-hearted introspective drama. It's funny that these movies are being marketed like this because I imagine the people who see these movies are more interested in the plot and actors and don't have to be subjected to this kind of deception. Nevertheless, I guess it's worth it because "Lars and the Real Girl" is definitely a movie to check out.
Lars (Ryan Gosling) is as anti-social as they come. Not in a violent way, but in a sad, lonely way. He lives by himself in a little garage in the backyard of Gus and Karin's (Paul Schneider and Emily Mortimer)house, his brother and sister-in-law . One day Lars announces that he's got a girlfriend, who turns out to be a sex doll named Bianca. Gus and Karin are understandably flabbergasted, so they take Lars (and Bianca) to the local shrink, who says Lars has a delusion, and everyone has to go along with it. Meanwhile, Lars begins to become attracted to Margo (Kelli Garner).
Nancy Oliver's script is actually very simple, but it is made into a film with such tenderness and care that it becomes a complex movie. "Lars and the Real Girl" is as much about Lars' relationship with Bianca as it is about his personal growth. A lot of stuff happens in the movie, yet at the same time, not much does. Most of what does is very subtle, and has a lot to do with character (specifically Lars), instead of grand plot twists.
There are some movies that only work if everyone is on the same wavelength. Would "A Christmas Story" have worked if there was a character who didn't contain the spirit that flowed through Ralphie? "Lars and the Real Girl" is similar in that respect. Some strange things happen in the movie, but in order for that to work, we have to believe that everyone does what they do not because the script tells them to, but because their characters would do it. This film has a terrific cast with perfect performances filling every role.
Ryan Gosling has continued to prove that he's a force to be reckoned with in every performance he's been given. He has the gift of extraordinary versatility, and here he sets the tone for everything else in the movie to revolve around. It's one of his strongest performances.
Emily Mortimer has usually been reduced to thankless supporting roles, but hopefully now that will change. Mortimer is terrific here,showing true sympathy, and at times frustration, towards her troubled brother-in-law. Paul Schneider is also good as the older brother, who wants to help Lars, but thinks the doctor is nuts. Special mention goes to Kelli Garner for creating a character that is not only likable, but we believe that she is the perfect girl for Lars' affections because of her personality and not because the movie tells us to. Patricia Clarkson is great as the doctor who seems to be the only one who thinks that everything that goes on is perfectly normal.
Independent films are usually marketed in a very funny way. The studios that pick them up for distribution usually market them in the most appealing way, which is understandable, even though they are not like that at all. Like the somewhat inferior "Juno," "Lars and the Real Girl" is marketed as a comedy, and though it certainly contains a few smiles and laughs, it's actually more of a light-hearted introspective drama. It's funny that these movies are being marketed like this because I imagine the people who see these movies are more interested in the plot and actors and don't have to be subjected to this kind of deception. Nevertheless, I guess it's worth it because "Lars and the Real Girl" is definitely a movie to check out.