The Film
One of the most likable things about actor Ryan Gosling is that he isn't afraid to take a chance. The Canadian-born actor (who was the first hoser in decades to earn a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in Half Nelson) prefers to star in low-budget independent films; especially ones that are bound to stir up some controversy. Gosling's performance in 2010's Blue Valentine raised a few eyebrows due to its explicit sexual content (something that certainly derailed its chances with Oscar), but it was a fine performance, regardless. Gosling may not project the onscreen intensity of Edward Norton, but he has certainly come into his own as a solid leading man; his physical appearance hasn't held him back either.
Gosling has been cast to star in the remake of the classic sci-fi film Logan's Run ($10 Olivia Wilde gets to play Jessica 6), which looks like a big budget summer flick. Back in 2007, Gosling took another chance on a really small, but quirky film that audiences generally liked. The spike in Real Doll sales must be have incredible; because Lars and the Real Girl made it seem less dirty.
Lars Lindstrom is a sad, lonely guy who lives in his dead parents' garage, and only infrequently ventures inside the main house occupied by his older brother and pregnant sister in-law. The 27 year-old man suffers from a disorder that has paralyzed his social development; his mother died giving birth to him. Lars shuns physical contact; responding quite negatively to even a simple touch. What's amazing about Lars is that while he's a tad odd (he may not be autistic, but he has a few mannerisms that initially suggest it), he still manages to hold down a full-time job and attend church every Sunday morning. His isolation becomes so severe that his caring sister in-law (Emily Mortimer) finally decides to intervene and invite him inside for meals.
Unable to form relationships with the people around him, Lars order a $6,000 Real Doll whom he believes is his real girlfriend. The initial reaction from those who know and care for him is that he suffers from mental illness. Watching Lars interact with "Bianca" is most unsettling; yet he never attempts to satisfy himself sexually with the doll -- because Bianca (who is also in a wheelchair) is a very religious girl. In the background, is his co-worker, Margo (Kelli Garner), who is equally as lonely but who longs for Lars due to his handsome features and caring personality. There must be something in the snow that falls in Minnesota/Wisconsin/North Dakota, because between Fargo, A Serious Man, and Lars and the Real Girl -- the local population is really messed up.
How Lars deals with his sadness and progresses from Bianca to Margo is the film's real message and while it takes too long to get there, it satisfies in the end. Gosling's understated performance makes Lars likable; and quite sympathetic.
The Picture
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track doesn't offer a lot; not an effects driven film, but the dialogue is very clear. The only time I really heard any surround information was during the date scene at the local bowling alley; all of the noise associated with a packed alley on a Saturday night. My subwoofer was as motionless as Bianca, although I did feel some puffing when a Talking Heads track was played.
The Extras
Aside from a documentary about the making of the film, and one about the cast, there is very little bonus material on this Blu-ray transfer. The documentary, however, is a great commercial for the Real Doll. I suspect more than a few folks will be checking it out online, if they have not already.
Final Thoughts
Lars and the Real Girl is a weird film, but also quite sweet and endearing. It takes a different approach to the issue of loss and how we get on with our lives, but it ultimately works because the cast and writing are so good. The Blu-ray transfer is worthy of a purchase, but I think Half Nelson and Blue Valentine are better performances by Ryan Gosling. Recommended.
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