Lars and the Real Girl
By Farah M., Congers, NY
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The premise of this film is both amusing and intriguing: Ryan Gosling’s character falls in love with a blow-up doll. Somehow, director Craig Gillespie and writer Nancy Oliver built a poignant and darkly comedic movie based on this very eccentric storyline. In a year of lackluster films, this is one of the most original and beautifully made movies of 2007.
Lars (Gosling) is a socially awkward but gentle man, who lives a monotonous life until his coworker shows him a website where he can order a life-size blow-up doll. When “Bianca” arrives, Lars begins to develop his first remotely normal relationship. Inevitably, his brother and sister-in-law (Emily Mortimer) become concerned and take Lars to the doctor (Patricia Clarkson), who tells them that Lars is under a delusion that Bianca is real and that everyone should play along.
The story revolves around the town’s acceptance of Lars’s problems. Before Lars could not interact with others, but with Bianca’s help, he becomes increasingly social; simultaneously the tone of the movie changes from outright comedic to bittersweet. The filming is delicate, with superb pacing and a perfect balance of weirdness. The storyline is borderline outrageous, but there is just enough restraint in the directing and acting to make it work.
Every actor is more than believable. However, Gosling is truly exceptional; an Oscar nomination for his performance wouldn’t be a surprise. Mortimer and Clarkson bring a realistic dimension to this outlandish story.
The flawless execution and impeccable acting make this one of the best films of the year. Both unconventional and subtle, “Lars and the Real Girl” will satisfy anyone who’s craving a peculiar, thought-provoking, and original movie.
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