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Lars and the Real Girl
They consult the family doctor Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) who explains this is a delusion he’s created — for what reason she doesn’t yet know but they should all go along with it.
Starring Ryan Gosling, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, Kelli Garner, Paul Schneider, Lauren Ash
Directed by Craig Gillespie (feature debut)
Written by Nancy Oliver
Comedy, Drama | 1hr 46mins | Rated (M) | sexual references | Origin: USA
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Flicks review
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http://www.larsandtherealgirl-themovie.com/
If you thought that making a movie where a lonely man falls in love with a sex doll was a silly idea, you were wrong. What might have turned out as a lame extended joke, cooked up by smug creative types who think they're funnier than they are, is actually a sweet, warm comedy that stays well away from cynicism or sarcasm and might win over the most skeptical viewer.
The great script from Nancy Oliver, who wrote on Six Feet Under, is engaging in a gentle way. It's free from sentimentality, and paints characters with detailed strokes, providing them with believable dialogue and understandable motives.
Ryan Gosling once again proves his versatility as a young actor with his portrayal of Lars Lindstrom, a lonely man who shuns any social interaction aside from an occasional comment to dull workmates or visits to church on Sundays. He lives in his brother's garage, locked up inside, barely even courageous enough to acknowledge his sister-in-law when she invites him over for dinner. His subsequent affection for sex-doll Bianca is quite touching.
The supporting characters are equally endearing. Emily Mortimer is extremely likable as pregnant sister-in-law Karin. Her husband Gus (Paul Schneider) speaks the voice of reason as a dryly humourous spokesperson for the audience. Patricia Clarkson is quietly subdued as the doctor who tries some therapy with Lars.
Costume and art direction create the chilly atmosphere of snow-bound northern America. The bleak landscape and big open skies reflect Lars' loneliness. Characters wear unfashionable patterned jumpers and big woolen boots. The result has a similar feel to working in a warm office on a stormy winter's day – you're glad to be inside, it cheers you up a little.
This story wears its heart on its checkered flannel sleeve. It succeeds because of the subtlety of its humour and its likable characters. The filmmakers have deftly sidestepped the potentially awkward 'high-concept' and instead delivered a genuinely optimistic, warmhearted fairytale.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
The Peoples voice
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Learn something
5
Surprisingly good - on so many levels. Highly reccommended to those who want to get 'something' more from a movie than just entertainment; learn how to respect the human mind and the power of community.
By keesh
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Morose, then depressing
1
The thought that supposedly caring townspeople in a northern Midwest American hamlet would play along for months with a young man's mental illness is unrealistic enough. Add a downbeat component of slow scene-setting and lethargic plot, and you have the true makings of "downer of the year".
I actually had to turn the DVD off prior to the denouement, lest I be forced to make the decision of whether or not to shoot myself. Spend your time and money on something more worthwhile than this sad piece of "emperor's new clothes"-style film. If bare indicates quality, this movie possesses a brazen amount of nudity.By Jerrod F.
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So good!
5
I went into the movie thinking it would go one of two ways: 1) weird and slightly off-putting or 2) endearing and kooky. Thankfully it most definitely fell into the second option.
Such a sweet story with wonderful acting. I can't fault a single thing.By Frances T
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Even silicone couldn't save this silly romp
2
The movie starts as a depressing tale of a depressing man called Lars who won't even eat dinner with his brother and his 'brother's helpful' wife. But instead chooses to stay in his room beside the garage in the cold with little else but a bed inside.
One day at the office whilst the local 'awkward' girl who is obviosuly totally in love with Lars is trying to capture his attention. The local 'asshole' at work (who is probably the best character in the film) tells Lars about real sized dolls - and how you can get them in any shape and style.
Lars takes this little bit of advice and ends up buying a doll who is Bianca a missionary. A missionary in slut filled clothing.
Anyway, it ends up being a pathetic tale of a pathetic guy that could have been more comedic in parts but decided to play a morality tale instead. Bad Move.
Ryan Gosling was great in 'Half Nelson' but this film tries to hard to be an independent film - and should've really been a full blown comedy.
I wanted it to end and I was glad when someone died.By zohra
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Good AS GOLD
5
Gives you plenty to talk about when you leave the theatre, well written and a must see sleeper. See it twice!
By T
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This is rubbish. Predictable and sentimental.
2
I don't see the fuss. Riddled with "indie" cliches, and surprisingly unfunny. I wasn't moved at all, not an inch.
By Paul
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Surprisingly Smart
4
Those expecting a plastic weekend at bernies remake full of sexual innuendo will be relieved and pleasantly surprised by this thought provoking film about a social isolate struggling to engage, even with his family. Lars' girl Bianca becomes his non judgemental companion and through their relationship, Lars learns how to relate to real people and process some historic grief.
Great moments with supporting cast members, who despite being unrealistically accepting of Lars' delusion provide comic relief.
By Lisa Z
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3 stars for laughs,
3
How could you go to a movie about a man and a silicon doll!?
We I did, and had a few laughs, but the best laughs came from listening to the rest of the audience reaction.
By brian
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Genius
5
The best movie I've seen this year (that's including There Will Be Blood & No Country for Old Men). Filled with subtle comedic genius.
By L.
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Try it, you might just like it - Original and great performances throughout
3
Ryan Gosling gives us another one of his trademark indie performances that has been well received by critics and fans alike. With not much to work with, Lars brings the doll to life with a touching and heartfelt performance. Patricia Clarkson plays off Gosling very well as his doctor/psychiatrist. The supporting cast are also top notch.
A new modern tale of loneliness that even the hardest of critics would find hard not to like.By Atkins
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French version was smarter
2
I kind of regret I went to see that movie, especially after watching a brilliant French comedy titled "Monique" released in 2003 with the same bland character, an inflatable doll that is. I loved "Monique" better for several reasons, first the script was written by a woman which offers a very original view on marital relationship. Second the main character, Albert Dupontel (from Opera Seat or something) is absolutely witty. The biggest difference in "Monique" is that Dupontel plays a 40 y.o. grown up man who is no longer in love with his wife for some reasons that we all go through (life). Even funnier, his wife is actually competing with the doll (Monique) to get her husband back. Not mentionning the fact that Dupontel's mates (grown up males too) also start falling in love with Monique because from us males she has only good qualities ;-), one of the mates secretely dreams of borrowing it/her. That movie "Monique" was a real cracker but never vulgar, it has the usual light philosophical approach of most French comedies. And yet again Hollywood pinched the idea without bringing an original touch. Poor rating from me.
By Bonux
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Hard to fault
5
Saw this in a packed house at Rialto, there's something great about laughing along with heaps of others. And there's something for everyone in this. Fantastic acting, beautifully scripted, well-paced, stunning cinematography and laugh out loud funny. This is truly American independent film as it should be done. I'd say "See this now!" but this one will surely play for weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks...
By Bob
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AN ABSOLUTEL MUST SEE - GOSLING IS AMAZING!
5
This movie is incredible, the best of the year so far. So unassuming, so heartfelt, and deeply moving. you will laugh, you will cry, and you will Love Lars & The Real Girl, highly recommended.
By Blackie
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Slow, slow and slower
1
Yes I know many people love this movie and while the story is full of warm fuzzies it could have been more condensed still its a town I would love to live in.
By Tania
Press Reviews
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Ain't It Cool News [USA]
Unlike Little Miss Sunshine, this is an indie comedy with real soul, not all too perfectly quirky characters whose lives fall apart according to the jokes. What struck me is how amazingly real the premise is played, never pandering to the comedy and never pushing false profundity and hope on us...
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BBC
4 4 out of 5 stars
A sweet, touching beautifully crafted film which tackles some tricky themes with a great deal of sensitivity and warm-hearted humour.
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Christchurch Press [Margaret Agnew]
4 4 out of 5 stars
Kind, sweet, and innocent, weird, heartbreaking and at times cruel, this carefully crafted low-budget film is full of an endearing kind of humanity.
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Dominion Post
4 4 out of 5 stars
This is a pitch-perfect and gently satirical small-town yarn - the sort of thing Garrison Keillor might have found himself narrating. Sure, it takes a willing credulity to really buy into Lars - is this a town without one single obnoxious teenager? - but if you do, you'll find this a great little film. Like Little Miss Sunshine, Lars and the Real Girl takes an unlikely story and spins it into some real gold.
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Empire Magazine [UK]
4 4 out of 5 stars
A strangely affecting romance with real heart -- and another sign that Gosling is one of the best young actors around.
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TV3 [Kate Rodger]
4 4 out of 5 stars
1/2 Take a deep breath, and expect the unexpected - trust me, you'll love it.
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Variety [USA]
Helmer Craig Gillespie's sweetly off-kilter film plays like a Coen brothers riff on Garrison Keillor's "Lake Woebegone" tales, defying its lurid premise with a gentle comic drama grounded in reality. Although well-acted by a name cast, the offbeat subject matter and idiosyncratic tone make it arthouse material...
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