LARS AND THE REAL GIRL A PERFECT MATCHThe world can be a lonely and terrifyingly lonely place when you are both alone and lonely. This is an original film about how one town joined together to make the world a little less lonely for one man. Lars (Ryan Gosling) is a painfully lonely man. He is socially awkward and very quiet; Until one day, he gets the best present ever. Her name is Bianca, half Brazilian and half Danish and the effect she has on him transforms him from recluse to bright and self-assured. Oh, a more more thing... she comes from a box. No, seriously. The difference between Lars and maybe every other man searching the site, is that all Lars wants is companionship. He's far too withdrawn into his own world that is takes a woman who can listen. But she does more than that. His brother (Paul Schnider) and wife (Emily Mortimer) who begs Lars to join them for breakfast, dinner, coffee, water?? get Lars to see the doctor, Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) who diagnoses Bianca with "low blood pressure" and thus has to "treat" her (while attempting to look into his mind) regularly. After the initial shock, people begin (as requested by the doctor) to treat Bianca as a real person, while also showing support for Lars and whatever he's mixed up about. In his words, via Bianca, "All she wants is to be treated normal." He wrestles with reality as he argues with Bianca. It's safer. Soon Bianca has a social schedule that rivals Lars. The town really rallies together and piece by piece, the gap gets wider between Bianca and him. The conclusion of this film is sweet and heart touching. What's more touching is how the way this whole town reaches out for Lars, instead of making him an outcast, is genuine and sweet. This is a movie about what happens when someone is treated with compassion and care, despite the situation. Why can't we all remember to do this? (and yes, there is an actual 'Real Doll" site)
PICK: An original and odd premise to show the most simple kind of love. Well done.
