‘Lars and the Real Girl’ narrates the life of a young loner who falls in love with a plastic doll. Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, the lonely and introvert guy, lives in a garage and desperately wants a girl friend. Unable to find a suitable girl, Lars buys a life-size doll through Internet and names her Bianca. Despite counseling by a doctor (Patricia Clarkson), Lars refuses to believe that the doll is not a real person. He disappoints his co-worker Margo (Kelli Garner) who wishes Lars pays her the same attention he gives to the doll. His brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and sister-in –law Karin (Emily Mortimer) are initially saddened by Lars’ loneliness but later amused by his infatuation with the doll.
The film is funny with a good dose of sweet comedy. The script by Nancy Oliver is a well-stitched story balancing pathos with fun. The ‘fight’ between Lars and the doll is hilarious as it essentially a grown man having a one-sided argument. But underneath the amusement lies the lonely man’s frustration. The acting by all performers is superlative. Gosling acts to his reputation as a talented young actor in Hollywood. It is Gosling who convincingly portrays the young man’s apparent helplessness. The supporting actors also performed to their characters. The only break of the story is the reaction of the town people who pose faith in Lars. This is not convincing. It is difficult to buy their argument as presented by the director. The director also lacks to make the lead character a multi-tone personality. He is always sad, and it is easy to be sad all the time. Much has been said about the humorous nature of Gosling, but we do not see that in the film.
Despite the directorial lapses, the movie is worth watching. The urban loneliness of people who desperately want the warmth of a family is well portrayed.
