For the love of plastic breasts
Ryan Gosling takes the love of objects to the next level in Lars and the Real Girl
WATERLOO (CUP) -- “Breaker High,” “The Mickey Mouse Club” and “Young Hercules.” London, Ontario native Ryan Gosling certainly did not start his acting career out very well. Nevertheless, somewhere along the way, it started going right.
With an Oscar nomination last year for the under-appreciated Half Nelson, Gosling may repeat his luck this year for his performance in Lars and the Real Girl.
The film seems like an unlikely and far-fetched story: a lovable loner (Gosling) buys a sex doll off the Internet and, calling her his girlfriend, treats her like a living person. The entire city responds by buying into it and gives him nothing but unconditional support.
To conclude this heartfelt comedy, Lars, complete with David Arquette-inspired facial hair, somehow manages to steal the heart of his pretty young co-worker in spite of his slightly unconventional tastes in women.
Ridiculous, yes, but the actors make it work. A good ensemble cast involves, most notably, Lars's brother played by Paul Schneider. Schneider's character is the only one to voice concerns and any resistance in indulging the fantasy.
Showing both distress over his brother's mental state and a whole lot of remorse, Schneider is able to breathe life into an otherwise flat character.
Another phenomenal performance is given by the always-amazing Patricia Clarkson as Lars' psychologist.
The doctor/patient scenes between Clarkson and Gosling bring a lot of truth to the movie, giving the plot some credibility. Aside from Gosling's main character, Clarkson's is the only supporting role with real depth.
What truly makes this film great is Gosling. More often than not, he is required to bring the dynamic of a two-person scene when only one participant is a breathing, talking and non-silicone human being. He executes these scenes perfectly and begs the question of mental instability versus loneliness.
Gosling deserves a great amount of praise for this role and there is no doubt he will receive it. He can finally prove that “The Mickey Mouse Club” is in fact good for something.
WATERLOO (CUP) -- “Breaker High,” “The Mickey Mouse Club” and “Young Hercules.” London, Ontario native Ryan Gosling certainly did not start his acting career out very well. Nevertheless, somewhere along the way, it started going right.
With an Oscar nomination last year for the under-appreciated Half Nelson, Gosling may repeat his luck this year for his performance in Lars and the Real Girl.
The film seems like an unlikely and far-fetched story: a lovable loner (Gosling) buys a sex doll off the Internet and, calling her his girlfriend, treats her like a living person. The entire city responds by buying into it and gives him nothing but unconditional support.
To conclude this heartfelt comedy, Lars, complete with David Arquette-inspired facial hair, somehow manages to steal the heart of his pretty young co-worker in spite of his slightly unconventional tastes in women.
Ridiculous, yes, but the actors make it work. A good ensemble cast involves, most notably, Lars's brother played by Paul Schneider. Schneider's character is the only one to voice concerns and any resistance in indulging the fantasy.
Showing both distress over his brother's mental state and a whole lot of remorse, Schneider is able to breathe life into an otherwise flat character.
Another phenomenal performance is given by the always-amazing Patricia Clarkson as Lars' psychologist.
The doctor/patient scenes between Clarkson and Gosling bring a lot of truth to the movie, giving the plot some credibility. Aside from Gosling's main character, Clarkson's is the only supporting role with real depth.
What truly makes this film great is Gosling. More often than not, he is required to bring the dynamic of a two-person scene when only one participant is a breathing, talking and non-silicone human being. He executes these scenes perfectly and begs the question of mental instability versus loneliness.
Gosling deserves a great amount of praise for this role and there is no doubt he will receive it. He can finally prove that “The Mickey Mouse Club” is in fact good for something.
