YNOT at the Movies

After his Oscar nomination for his performance in "Half Nelson," talented Ryan Gosling gives another poignant performance in a new drama "Lars and the Real Girl" (USA 2006, 106 min.) as Lars, an awkward bachelor who becomes delusional. It's probably too early to say, but I surely hope he gets another node for Oscar.

Lars lost his mother at his birth. Growing up with his dad who suffers the pain from the lost, Lars becomes socially awkward. He avoids human contact and lives in the garage of his family house. But one day, everything is changed after he has a new girl in her life: Bianca - an anatomically correct live size doll he ordered from the internet. Lars believes Bianca is alive and real. Based on heartfelt love, advised by the family doctor, not only his brother and sister-in-law, but the entire community goes along with his delusion.

Ryan Gosling is so convincing as Lars that I have tears instead of laughter when he acts "crazy." Emily Mortimer is also amazing as Lars's sister-in-law. I especially love the small moments all over the film when actors communicate so much to each other with their subtle body language and expression, without a word. It's incredibly touching when the community welcomes Bianca into the community as if they are all delusional.

The humor in the film is good hearted when you go to see the film with educated audience. I am pleasantly surprised to find out that this film is directed by Craig Gillespie, who also directed "Mr. Woodcock", which I hate. Good turn around, Craig.

I am quite positive that my take on this film is not delusional.

I know that Oscar season is yet to begin, but "Sleuth" (USA 2007, 86 min.) just might be the best film I have seen this year. It opens on next Friday, Oct 19th in bay area theatres.

This film is based on a play by Anthony Shaffer and is a remake of the 1972 film. Nobel Prize winner (in Literature in 2005) Harold Pinter crafted the screenplay and Kenneth Branagh (remember "Hamlet?") directed the film. Michael Caine and Jude Law give perhaps the best performance in their careers.

This splendid film reaches its greatness at so many levels. Under Pinter's masterful writing, simple words become sharp knives that can cut into one's soul. The outstanding performance by Michael Caine and Jude Law bring these words as well as their characters to life. The lavish art design and the cinematography deliberately join the bloody battle of wits between Caine and Law's characters.

These are all one should know before going to see this film. Do not read any review (except this one). I did not know anything about the plot before I went to see this film, nor have I seen the original film. Therefore, to be fair, this is as much as I want to say about the plot (if I any at all).

I love this film probably because it has so much in common with my favorite food sashimi (刺身). Both are fresh, raw, elegant, stylish, exotic, exquisite, delicate, and delicious. I always crave for more.