Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Lars and the Real Girl Poster

Extremely shy Lars finds it impossible to make friends or socialize. His brother and sister-in-law worry about him, so when he announces that he has a girlfriend he met on the Internet, they are overjoyed. But Lars' new lady is a life-size plastic woman. On the advice of a doctor, his family and the rest of the community go along with his delusion.

Film Synopsis
"Lars and the Real Girl" is a 2007 American-Canadian romantic drama-comedy movie directed by Craig Gillespie and composed by Nancy Oliver. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Lars Lindstrom, an introverted and socially uncomfortable young man handling individual problems, who resorts to purchasing a life-sized, anatomically proper sex doll that he forms a peculiar yet charming relationship with.

Lars Lindstrom's Character and Life
Lars Lindstrom, played by Ryan Gosling, is portrayed as a shy and strange boy who resides in a securely knit Midwestern town. He chooses to live in the garage next to your home of his older bro Gus, played by Paul Schneider, and his pregnant sister-in-law, Karin, played by Emily Mortimer, regardless of their repeated invitations to move back into their house. Lars appears disconnected from his truth and battles with social interactions, revealed by his aversion to human touch and his struggle to express his feelings.

The Arrival of Bianca
Lars orders a life-sized sex doll, whom he names Bianca, and begins believing that she is a real person. Instead of utilizing Bianca for sexual purposes, Lars establishes a romantic and emotional relationship with her, introducing her as his sweetheart. He insists that Bianca is a paraplegic, devoutly spiritual, and not able to remain in the garage due to her 'illness'. Hence, he demands that she remain in the visitor room in Gus and Karin's home.

Town's Reaction to Bianca
While Gus is initially annoyed with Lars's deception, both he and Karin choose to speak with a psychiatrist, Dagmar, played by Patricia Clarkson. Dagmar recommends them to go along with Lars's illusion to assist him through what she perceives as a psychological crisis. The townsfolk, though stunned at first, gradually accept Bianca into their neighborhood, treating her as a real individual due to their love for Lars. They wish to support him in dealing with his issues.

Improvement and Resolution
Throughout the course of the movie, Bianca is chosen to the school board, volunteers at the healthcare facility, and ends up being a vital part of the community. While apparently absurd, her existence leads to a significant change in Lars, helping him to open up and face his deep-seated fears and insecurities. On the other hand, Lars develops a fondness for a co-worker, Margo, played by Kelli Garner, however struggles to reconcile this with his relationship with Bianca. Eventually, Lars decides that Bianca has fallen ill and later on announces her death. The town mourns Bianca's loss, and by letting her go, Lars is lastly able to let go of his misconception and fears.

Conclusion
"Lars and the Real Girl" is not just about a male and his sex doll; it checks out the depth and complexity of human psychology, isolation, and the power of an empathetic neighborhood. Its concept may sound ridiculous at first, however the film's powerful storytelling and extensive performances, specifically Gosling's, highlight an all of a sudden wholehearted and delicate story. It checks out how the human mind resorts to coping mechanisms in the face of severe loneliness yet ultimately reveals the recovery power of community and empathy.

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