Plastic (Sexual) Inspiration: Lars and the Real Girl

          Inanimate objects make for great toys. Inanimate objects can also be used during sex, which is why there are sex toys. Love, true compassion and commitment are three of the last qualities a person would link to a non-living thing, let alone a life like sex doll named ‘Bianca’. Even in the most twisted convoluted settings this idea of a relationship with a sex doll doesn’t seem to be the key to most recent movie hits. Yet Lars and the Real Girl commits so fully to this concept that the movie actually works and better yet, succeeds.
          The film opens and we view Lars. He’s alone, which the audience will soon find out is a very common habit for Lars. He not only spends most of his time in seclusion, but also actually prefers the confines of his home to most other activities. Besides going to Sunday mass and his office job, he rarely spends time with other people.          Lars lives in the garage (by choice of course) of him and his brother’s house, which they inherited from their late father. Lars’ brother, played by Paul Schneider, who lives just across the road, is husband to, Karin, who constantly worries about the health and well being of Lars. Whether prompted by Karin’s concern or the nosey lady at church or even his perverted cubicle mate, Lars orders a life-like sex doll while under the effects of what is medically called a ‘delusion’. This means that people are able to convince themselves of a certain idea and really believe in it. Which is exactly what Lars does as he deludes himself into believing that Bianca the sex doll is a real living person. Themovie jumps off from this point, following the relationship between Lars and Bianca and the community as they try and support Lars in his manic, soul searching endeavors.          While bizarre and perhaps even unappealing this movie’s commitment should be applauded. Because of this fact, the film is able to truly explore these unusual settings and rules within the storyline and relate it all back to the controlling idea of the movie. These factors alone make the movie satisfying and completely fulfilling without holding your hand and saying, “Hey everyone, here’s the big reveal!” This genius story could only be flagshipped by one man, and Ryan Gossling was it, giving one of the best performances of 2007. Better yet in my opinion is the supporting roles’ performances as they try to deal with Lars’ new found obsession and love.        

          The sheer originality of the movie will draw you in while the intricacies and depth of the story and character will make you for the first time ask, “More sex dolls please.”