From Barbie to Drive - Gosling has done it all!
Starting with The Mickey Mouse Club, Ryan Gosling has evolved into a three-time Academy Award nominee and one of the finest actors of the 21st century. With a repertoire spanning over thirty films, the versatile Canadian has demonstrated his talent across various genres, excelling in comedic, action-packed, and poignant roles in movies like The Nice Guys, Blade Runner 2049, and Blue Valentine. Throughout his three-decade-long career, Gosling has consistently delivered stellar performances, earning both critical acclaim and box office success. So, let's celebrate his career with five iconic films.
Russell Crowe (Gladiator) and Ryan Gosling team up in this criminally underrated 2016 action comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles. Gosling portrays Holland March, a bumbling private investigator entangled with unsavoury characters while on a case. Despite being nearly a decade old, The Nice Guys has gradually gained popularity but remains one of the most overlooked films of the 2010s. Gosling shines as the endearingly clumsy Holland, his comedic timing making him instantly lovable. His dynamic with Crowe's Jackson Healy is captivating, evolving into a delightfully chaotic partnership. The Nice Guys is a hidden gem, offering everything one desires in a buddy cop adventure, making it Gosling's most enjoyable film to date.
In 2016, Damien Chazelle delivered one of his finest works with the musical romance La La Land. This acclaimed film garnered over 300 award nominations, enchanting audiences with its captivating musical score, heartfelt performances, and breathtaking visuals. Following the journey of Sebastian and Mia, two dreamers navigating love and life in modern-day Los Angeles, La La Land is a visually stunning masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. Gosling and Stone deliver captivating performances, elevating the film to a cherished favourite for many as it pays homage to 1950s Hollywood musicals with its hopeful yet poignant storytelling.
Drive follows the enigmatic protagonist known only as the driver, portrayed by Ryan Gosling. He juggles roles as a stunt driver, getaway driver, and mechanic, maintaining a solitary existence until he forms a connection with a neighbour and her son. As their lives intertwine, the driver becomes entangled in their troubles, particularly when the neighbour's husband reemerges from prison. With a stellar cast including Carey Mulligan and Albert Brooks, Drive stands out as a top-tier arthouse action film, characterised by its precise pacing, captivating performances, and breathtaking cinematography. Gosling's nuanced portrayal anchors the film, contributing to its widespread critical acclaim as one of the standout films of the 2010s.
Before gaining acclaim for "The Place Beyond the Pines" in 2012, director Derek Cianfrance collaborated with Ryan Gosling in the poignant romance "Blue Valentine." Gosling and Michelle Williams portray Dean and Cindy, a couple whose love story takes a heartbreaking turn, traversing the harsh realities of relationships. With stellar performances, the film dives into the complexities of love and earned Gosling a Golden Globe nomination.
Blade Runner 2049 defied the sequel stigma by impressively living up to its beloved predecessor. Released in 2017, this neo-noir action film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, stars Ryan Gosling as Officer K. While honouring its source material and featuring Harrison Ford, the film distinguishes itself by expanding the visually stunning universe and probing into Officer K's enigmatic character. With five Academy Award nominations, Blade Runner 2049 remains a favourite among fans, establishing Gosling's reputation as a versatile leading man who brings depth to his roles, even in blockbuster films!
Some other honourable mentions for Ryan Gosling films would be works like ‘Half Nelson,’ ‘The Notebook’, ‘Crazy Stupid Love', and 'Lars and the Real Girl'.
