Movie Review: Lars & the Real Girl
Ryan Gosling Stars in a Delusional Love Story
Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, a man in love with lifelike sex doll named Bianca. Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, and Kelli Garner round out the cast.
It’s hard to believe that a film about a man who develops a relationship with a lifelike sex doll would be one of the year’s best; but it is. A sensitive and unflinchingly human screenplay from “Six Feet Under” scribe Nancy Oliver is just one of the many highlights of this almost perfect little film.
It's a Sad and Beautiful World
Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, a delusional yet functional young man with a genuine fear of social interaction and being touched. His brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and sister-in-law Karin (Emily Mortimer) make efforts to integrate Lars into their lives, but he prefers to hide out in his garage-turned-apartment.
When Lars acquires a sex doll named Bianca and brings her to dinner claiming that she’s a missionary who doesn’t speak much, Karin and Gus are unsure what to do. They turn to the local doctor (Patricia Clarkson) who convinces them to go along with Lars’ delusion in order to be supportive.
Nancy Oliver Has Written an Excellent Screenplay
Nancy Oliver has written an excellent screenplay. There is a depth and care on the page her that makes the film that much more moving. She is careful to never paint Lars as a caricature, or dismiss the situation for comedic effect. It is dealt with very matter-of-factly and Lars’ character progresses in a very human and heartbreaking matter. The care given to the supporting characters is what really gives them film strength. From the world weary doctor, to the neurotic and flirtatious co-worker, to the distant brother who blames himself; each of these characters are very human, and very easy to identify with. Oliver also took care in how the community as a whole would respond to Lars’ particular situation. Ensuring that there is a balance in how people are uncomfortable and confused by his delusion, but are ultimately supportive and compassionate in their care for a fellow human.
Craig Gillespie Shows Strength in the Director's Chair
Craig Gillespie does an excellent job behind the camera as well. He handles the material in a gentle manner never exploiting the situation for cheap laughs. That’s not to say that reaction shots that cut to Bianca aren’t amusing in their own way; they are; but the film never uses humour at the expense of its characters. A handheld, non-studio approach was taken by Gillespie, which only elevates the material to makes it identifiable and that much more beautiful.
Gosling Delivers Another Performance to Watch
The performances in this film are memorable. Each lead holds their own, and gives the audience a fully realized character to grasp onto. Gosling turns in another solid performance as the delusional Lars, struggling to become a part of a world he doesn’t fully understand. Fears of abandonment, and lifetime of grief, are handled well and communicated effectively in Gosling’s eyes and words.
Emily Mortimer Effectively Layers Her Character
Emily Mortimer is Oscar-worthy as the maternally inclined Karin. While startled by Lars’ revelations she is always caring and supportive. Mortimer perfectly captures the need for acceptance, and the underlying pain when she cannot make everything right.
Kelli Garner is an Actress to Watch Out For
Kelli Garner delivers a great performance as a neurotic colleague who has feelings for Lars. One might wonder who would want a relationship with a delusional man who talks to a sex doll; Garner is that character, and it makes sense. There is a sense of deep pain in her, and thus an attraction to someone more damaged than herself who she can care for. It’s the kind of character that is simultaneously sad and uplifting to watch. Garner is an actress to watch out for in the future.
Patricia Clarkson Carries the Weight of the World in Her Eyes
Lastly, but certainly not least, is a beautiful performance from Patricia Clarkson. She layers her character as an unphased, world weary, lonely doctor in a way that few actresses could. Clarkson carries the weight of the world in her eyes, and humanizes even the most damaged and defeated character. It’s a performance worth seeing.
One of Best Films of the Year
“Lars and the Real Girl” is a sad, beautiful, uplifting, challenging, and very human story. It would take a true cynic to walk away from this film unaffected. Avoiding the darker territories this subject matter could touch on (Spiral), this is the kind of movie that will likely make most simultaneously happy and sad to be alive.
