Lars and the Real Girl

I saw this movie last night. And all I can say is wow.

That was amazing. From Ryan Gostlings performance to just…how much emotion was put into..that doll.

At least I thought so.

What is everyone else’s opinions?

I haven’t seen it, but I did see the trailers and thought it looked stupid.

It’s probably my favorite movie of the decade and, therefore, the century thus far. I’m not entirely different from Lars, though, so that enhances my love of the movie, I suppose.

I was really surprised when I found out that Margo in the movie, Kelli Garner, was the same actress from Bully and Thumbsucker. I found her very alluring in both of those movies, both movies I saw before Lars and the Real Girl, yet I didn’t realize Margo was her until I IMDB’d after the movie. Anyway, I love her and way to have her babies and things.

Remarkable how often I found myself identifying with the main character; the importunate task beset a screenwriter. The effect this film had on me, twice involving tears, was most unexpected. This sweet anecdote about loneliness, consciously being so, and the effects thereof, treats its unconventional protagonist, the fragile Lars, with a delicacy I have not seen elsewhere. Clearly, the director and screenwriter (significantly, a woman) care deeply for this character, whom Gosling seems to breathe. The very production itself, with addition of the score, exhudes tenderness.

This was my pick for last years Best Original Screenplay.
Yes, the Oscar. Yeah, it was nominated.

Being a Ryan Gosling fan, I was disappointed. I thought his performance was slightly over the top and he was not grounded in that character. I didn’t believe him in this film. This made it impossible for me to enjoy this original and gutsy film…and I really wanted to like it.

I went into the film with pretty low expectations, but I was actually really surprised how much I liked it. It had been a while since I’d seen a movie in the theatre that I really liked. The plot and characters were really well developed and I could sympathize with Lars well.

i picked this up for my girlfriend for xmas yesterday, im looking forward to seeing it. post half-nelson ryan gosling is pretty much the most interesting young american actor on my radar.

This was top of my list last year. When we first saw Lars and Bianca sitting together on the couch, having dinner at the brother’s place, I was thinking to myself: “nothing good can some from this situation”. However, a lot of good came from it. With this kind of premise, I think it would be easy for a director to do too much. But props to Gillespie for allowing it to be subtle. The performances are good (Gosling was top notch), and the film is extremely satisfying. I was blown away at how good it was. Thanks for bringing it up Waseem.

I didn’t have the highest expectations based on the trailer, but I actually loved it. Over the past few years I’ve been really impressed with Ryan Gosling as an actor, and I’m looking forward to seeing the full extent of what he can do.

yup, loved it. gosling is pitch perfect. hate that he is supposed to such a douche in real life, but whatev.

man, it was boring and stupid for me atleast

i thought it was sweet and sad…..i actually related to lars A LOT with the isolation and inability to have “real” relationships…but hell thats just me. i really liked it a bunch.

his acting was remarkable.

Towns like that don’t exist.

Gotta say, if you’re avoiding this movie because of the trailer, go ahead and watch it. After seeing it (I liked it well enough), I came to the conclusion that there’s absolutely no way they could have made a good trailer for it. It sounds impossible, I know, but the film actually manages to take the whole “I think this sex doll is a real girl” thing in good, non-dodo-brained directions.

I really enjoyed the film. The filmmakers took a completely ridiculous premise and made a sweet, compelling film. In lesser hands, the film would have been played for cheap laughs, but all the characters are so committed- particularly Gosling. I love how everyone in the town just welcomes and accepts Bianca (Lars’ girlfriend/doll). Really well done.

I watched it last night. Gosling was fine and his performance made the film work as well as it could, I think. Patricia Clarkson seems to always be a welcome addition to any cast in any film. I always enjoy seeing her work and learn something ineffable. That was it for acting on the plus side. None of the other secondary characters came to believable life, especially Lars’ brother.

The premise is ridiculous—that an entire town would behave as portrayed, as if they’re all in a “Truman Show” conspiracy to make oddball Lars feel normal. Even ridiculous premises can be handled effectively. “Edward Scissorhands”, for instance. It’s a matter of tone. The tone in “Lars…” was sentimental realism and I wasn’t soft-minded enough for this to work.

Some of the conceits had me chuckling, though. Bianca getting a job, being elected to the board of education, “yelling” and fighting, etc.

Finally, I disliked much of the dialogue, the cinematography, editing, the original score.

Sweet intentions, but I couldn’t buy into the premise as executed and felt that the technical crafts involved were completely uninspired.

I believe the film is meant to be read as a sort of fantasy. It seems a rather awesome example of what could happen if society accepted difference with compassion and understanding. Lar’s community helped him get back from a hard place. As a person suffering from mental illness, “standing on the fence” the way he was treated by his friends and family enabled him to go through a process of examination and reintegrate back into “normal” society. Bianca was a catalyst for emotional communication.
I found the film to be rather simple in its technical achievements, but the real beauty of the film is in the story.

I didn’t like this film.

I feel the premise had a lot more potential to deliver something different, more meaningful, memorable, and believable. Yes, the town rallying behind this oddball is implausible and makes the movie flat and boring. As a matter of fact, most people in towns like this would somehow stay away from him and would even demand he is put on a mental institution for fear he may become unstable and dangerous. Town’s backlash would have played a much better antagonist because it could have been used as a way of criticizing society. I believe the movie could have maintained its “sweetness” even under those circumstances.

I thought Ryan’s performance was impeccable, given the circumstances of the bland plot. Emily Mortimer was solid too. I liked the cinematography.

Fernando: The premise of the entire town “playing along” is implausible, but if it could ever happen, that would be the place it would occur, in a little midwestern town with a strong and friendly community.

Ryan Gosling is always interesting to watch
and that mustache only sweetens the deal =)

Wasn’t expecting much as I went in to see it, but ended up completely charmed. There’s definitely a fable-like quality to it and I found myself identifying with it a great deal, as I too suffer with a disorder. The idea of a community coming together and helping one of its members through kindness and understanding is beautifully portrayed and never became excessively sweet for me. Gosling was wonderful and gave one of my favourite performances of ’07, imbuing his character with such innocence and sensitivity. An endearing film overall.

I really love Lars and The Real Girl. I’m puzzled by the fact that it hasn’t shown up on The Auters yet. By every definition of the term, it’s a great Film. Every Character, especially Lars, is intimately developed and beautifully acted by its Cast. I felt a huge connection built with Lars by the end of the Film, as well as the other members of the town, and it’s a feeling I’ve had with every viewing since. It never gets boring, although it is very serene and, for the most part, silent. It’s high time to see it here on the database…

honestly i was a bit disturbed by this film. i found it strange how it took a (mostly) comedic look at the character of Lars. there are so many films that approach mental illness/problems in a healthy way, but i found this one to be bordering on exploitative. anyone else?

It a mix of melancholic comedy and quirky drama. Golsing was amazing in it. Loved it.

People can say what they want about this film but I loved it.

I love this film. It’s so sweet and original. Why it isn’t here at The Auteurs?

yea it was a pretty good one.