This Movie is Rated PG13 – For Some Sex-Related Content
When you hear this is a movie about a guy with a sex-doll you would think that it would be a wacky comedy full of crude sex-based humor. You couldn’t be farther from the truth. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some great comedic moments. However, this is really a very sweet, touching movie. It’s all about Lars (Ryan Gosling) journey as he deals with difficulties from his past and tries to move beyond them.
Ryan is one of those actors that it is hard to recognize from one role to the next. He has the ability to morph into different characters; both in the way he looks and the way he acts. The first time I saw this movie it was hard for me to even tell it was Ryan. Lars is a very quiet, introspective character that has a hard time dealing with people. His portrayal of him is just so believable and entertaining to watch. The way he interacts with Bianca (aka the Real Doll) is so good. Ryan really is amazing.
Some of my favorite scenes (without spoiling things):
Karin (Emily Mortimer) tackling Lars when she is trying to get him to come over for dinner is a great scene. It shows how much she cares about him and what lengths she will go to in order to make sure he is ok.
The interaction between Gus (Lars’ brother) and Lars at dinner. Gus (Paul Schneider) tries to find out if everything is ok with Lars. Which basically consists of the following; are you ok, I’m fine, I thought so … end of conversation. It just such a perfect scene to show the brothers typical method of dealing with each other.
When Lars goes over to Gus and Karin’s house to tell them “I have a visitor”. His expression throughout that scene is just adorable. I love Karin’s reaction and excitement about the news.
The looks on Gus and Karin’s faces when they first meet Bianca are wonderful.
Seeing the kid sitting on Bianca’s lap in the waiting room at the doctor’s office. Then Lars saying that Bianca loves kids.
Favorite quotes:
Gus – “Where did you meet this person?”
Lars – “On the Internet.”
Karin – “Yea, well everybody’s doing that now.”
Lars – “You know, Bianca’s a missionary.”
Lars – “She’s so shy.”
Gus – “Ok … we gotta fix him. Can you fix him?”
Gus – “A delusion. What the hell is he doing with a delusion for Christ’s sake.”
Gus – “Nope, everything’s pretty much exactly the same except that Karen is pregnant and Lars is nuts.”
Guy from Church – “He’s not worshipping her. They’re just dating?”
Mrs. Gruner – “She has a darling figure.”
Lars – “Ooo, you should watch me chop wood too. I’m really good at it.”
Guy at Party – “Hey, is she flexible?”
Lars – Doesn’t say anything. He just smiles.
Other Guy – “Yes!”
Gus – “No wonder he goes and orders a fiancé in a box.”
Lars – “It’s my girlfriend, I shouldn’t have to check a schedule to see her.”
According to Ryan Gosling (before filming started) he actually lived with Bianca in his mom’s basement to help him prepare for the role.
In the “Real Leading Lady Extra” there is some very funny stuff with Ryan and Bianca, be sure to check it out.
Jan
Following is additional information about the movie that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
It is so sad when Lars is telling Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) how it hurts to be hugged. That it hurts like a burn to be touched by anyone, except Bianca. It is so telling about his character. Which makes the scene with Lars shaking Margo’s (Kelli Garner) hand without wearing his gloves all the more powerful.
Lars being so stressed out and having a panic attack when talking about having children is the moment when everything clicks. You now realize that his problems stem from the fact that Karin is pregnant and that his own mother died when he was born. He is so worried about her.
I adore the scene with Lars and Margo when he is resuscitating her bear that has been hung. It’s just the cutest thing ever (Ryan plays is perfectly). In that moment you can see that Margo has gone from liking him to totally falling in love with him.
