Words on Film: Lars and the Real Girl

"Words on Film" looks at the writing process behind films that have been nominated for “Best Original Screenplay” at the Academy Awards.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) is an unconventional love story. I watched the movie on a whim and I was really impressed with Ryan Gosling's acting. His character is unlike any he has played before and I found it easy to forget about his previous roles while watching the film (something that isn't always easy when an actor has been given many memorable roles).

I loved how sincere Lars was throughout the entire story. His adoration towards Bianca, the Internet doll, is a way for Lars to deal with the issues he has repressed for so long. He doesn't like getting close to people to the point where it feels like his body is burning whenever he encounters skin-on-skin contact. While some may think he's crazy for falling in love with a life-size sex doll, for Lars it makes perfect sense that his companion is something that leaves him free from anxiety. He's completely in control of his feelings and Bianca's.

The film takes an interesting turn when the community accepts Lars' new girlfriend. Soon, Bianca is picked up by friends and family to do things separate from Lars. She becomes a real person in the community, which helps to show Lars how much love and support he has from the people around him.

The film's screenplay writer, Nancy Oliver, describes the film as a "contemporary fairy tale." She says that the core of the film is about Lars' delusion, not about the way others react to him: "When someone has a delusion, it doesn't matter what you say to him. It's not about enabling, because you can scream at somebody and throw things when they have a delusion, and it's not going to change their mind... But in the end, it's not about the people who are cruel to him. It's not about confronting the audience with that reality. It's about exploring the geography of kindness and compassion." [x]

Nancy Oliver has also written for Six Feet Under and True Blood, so she's a true talent when it comes to bringing stories to the screen.

I recommend Lars and the Real Girl if you're a fan of quirky love stories. Ryan Gosling fans should also watch the film to appreciate the range of his acting talent.