Lars and the Real Girl

Craig Gillespie, USA, 2007, 106 minutes

Lars and the Real Girl is a tough sell. The story of a man who overcomes chronic introversion by ordering an online sex doll and parading her as his new girlfriend, it’s difficult to determine the target audience for the film. The “unconventional” concept is guaranteed to put off at least half of the public, expecting as they will a thoroughly bad taste comedy in the vein of the Farrelly Brothers or Judd Apatow. However, those expecting 90 minutes of dick jokes and toilet humour will also be disappointed, as the film is nothing like as bawdy as the concept suggests. This contrast may perhaps explain the relatively poor box office performance of the film. However, those who did manage to see the film were treated to a film of real heart and warmth.

Karin (Emily Mortimer) and her husband Gus (Paul Schneider) are worried about Gus’s brother Lars (Ryan Gosling). Painfully introverted, Lars seems incapable of forming human relationships, flinching at the merest touch from whoever he meets. Thus, they are delighted when Lars arrives at the door to tell them about his new girlfriend Bianca. Delight soon turns to horror when they meet Bianca, a fully anatomically-accurate sex doll. Convinced that Lars has lost it completely, they take him to a psychiatrist, who informs them that the best course of action is to play along in order to uncover the issues that have brought Lars to this point. What follows is a Capra-esque tale, in which Lars gradually begins to open up with the help of the local townfolk and Bianca herself.

Lars is not an immediately sympathetic character. Besides having a somewhat dubious grasp on reality, he is also at times undeniably self-centred. However, Gosling succeeds in drawing out the humanity in the character, displaying glimpses of tenderness which become more apparent as the film unfolds. It’s a strong performance, and is pivotal in allowing the audience to root for Lars. The supporting cast provide understated support which gives the film its warmth.

The film is only occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. The film’s strength is in its emotional pull. The Oscar nominated script by Six Feet Under’s Nancy Oliver triumphs in creating tender, realistic relationships between its characters. In particular, the characters of Karin and Gus are pitch-perfect, with their attempts to understand and help Lars nudging the audience towards supporting Lars even in his less endearing moments. With sentimentality leavened by its quirky tone, the film acts as a paean to community and tolerance. Those who leave their cynicism at the door will find much to enjoy.

Review by Neil Henry
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2007