Lars And The Real Girl

I've only just seen this film over the weekend and I have to say I was duly impressed. If anyone saw the documentary on SBS a while ago on Real Dolls and men who have relationships with them, then this will be familiar subject matter. What impresses me is how the writer and director of this film dealt with the particular subject matter. The story is about Lars, a shy and extremely introverted man who lives in the garage of the home he grew up in with his older brother and his sister-in-law. He goes to work, he goes to church but seems to live a life of solitude. That is until one evening, he announces he has a 'visitor' and asks to bring her to dinner. The visitor is Bianca, a life sized doll. Lars begins living with her as if she is a real person, speaking for her and making sure she is looked after. Gus and Karin are at first shocked and overwhelmed but with the help of their doctor, Dagmar (the fabulous Patricia Clarkson), they begin to try and understand Lars and Bianca. The community embraces her and helps her assimilation as if she is one of them. This story could have gone down a few paths. The logical part of you starts laughing at the stupidity of it all but as the story moves on, your compassionate side opens up and you begin to see the kaleidoscope of colours that this film shows you. It shows you that men who adopt this pattern of living aren't necessarily scary and perverted, despite the strangeness of it all. It shows that people can be loving and understanding and show great compassion when it is really needed. The character of Lars is a combination of sad,strange,sweet and lovable. The film never once reigns any judgement on his or any one's character. I have to admit, I had a bit of a teary when the credits rolled. MM's rating- 4.5 stars. Me likey.