"I try to play characters who are different from myself, so I feel like this character is someone who is really different. I actually think that if I did what he did in this movie, I would get a restraining order put against me"

Ryan Gosling discusses his approach to acting by expressing a desire to take on roles distinct from his real-life personality. In emphasizing this distinction, he highlights the challenge and excitement of embodying characters whose choices and behaviors are far removed from his own instincts or ethical boundaries. This commitment to difference allows him to step outside of his comfort zone, embracing personas that demand new emotional or psychological territories. The remark about getting a restraining order reflects a sense of humor, acknowledging the troubling actions of the character he portrays while distancing himself from such behavior. Gosling’s point illustrates the way actors can explore extremes of human experience within the safety of fiction, engaging with moral situations and psychological conditions that would be unacceptable or even dangerous in reality.

The comment also offers insight into the boundaries between reality and the performative world of cinema. Gosling is aware that audiences sometimes conflate actors with the characters they play, especially when a role is particularly intense or controversial. By mentioning the restraining order, he reassures the listener that he recognizes the inappropriateness of the character’s actions, implicitly rejecting any romanticization of problematic behavior. This stance encourages viewers to approach films with critical distance, enjoying the story while understanding the difference between fiction and acceptable conduct.

Gosling’s perspective mirrors a common theme among actors who see their craft as an exploration of universal human experiences, both light and dark. By taking on roles so far removed from their true selves, actors engage audiences empathetically, allowing viewers to confront their own feelings about complicated or uncomfortable behaviors by observing them in a controlled, artistic setting. The ability to portray morally ambiguous or flawed individuals, while maintaining personal integrity, demonstrates both skill and self-awareness. In sum, Gosling’s reflection underscores the transformative power and ethical considerations of acting, celebrating its unique capacity for both identification and separation.