. . .: Lars. Real Girl. Real Friendship.

Enigma Exposed - Oxymoron defined.

Have you ever felt like you needed to get over yourself? You ever look in the mirror and say to yourself: “Self, do you realize that it really isn’t that serious?” You ever feel like you need to expose yourself a little? Laugh at yourself a little? Be laughed at a little?

You ever wake up and want to stop concealing the insane oddball that resides under the controlled mask you wear everyday? You ever just want to divulge the real you and let the chips fall where they may...all in the name of recognizing, owning, and embracing your own ridiculousness…?

Nah, me neither, but I’m doing it anyway.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Lars. Real Girl. Real Friendship.

I love quirky movies - especially quirky movies that expose the best aspects of human nature. Lars and the Real Girl is a simple (and subtly humorous) story of how the best facets of human nature - kindness, empathy, and nurturing - can vastly improve the reality of someone close to you.

Lars Lindsrtrom has some issues. He is emotionally stunted; he is painfully socially-awkward; he is - delusional. At age 27 he leads a severely sheltered lifestyle - residing in the garage of his childhood home where he tries to evade his family, working in an office where he tries to avoid his coworkers, and attending church where he abstains from general interaction with the rest of the congregation. In short, Lars exists, but does not truly live life. That is until he "meets" Bianca.

Bianca is a quiet Brunette with whom Lars develops a heart warming (though eccentric) emotionally-intimate relationship. She is perfect for Lars. She is quiet, understanding, fiercely devoted, and best of all she makes Lars feel safe in a way he has never previously known. She is also inanimate - as all anatomically correct, life sized dolls are, though Lars is totally oblivious to this fact.

What would you do to help someone in need? That is the major theme behind the story of Lars and his lifeless love. Do you ostracize, ridicule, and further damage your fellow broken man, or do you humble yourself and ask what can I do to help? Do you avoid what you do not understand, or do your recognize that even our simplest interactions with others can be seen as opportunities for valuable contribution? These are the thought provoking questions the film asks of its viewers.

Without spoiling too much of the plot, I will say that Lars is fortunate in having an understanding community of generous spirit surrounding him, and it makes a big difference in his life. As I witnessed the evolution of both Lars and those who loved him, I questioned what I'd be willing to do to help a loved one, and what my so called friends would do to help me. Would I invite a doll to work for me? Allow a doll to "read" to my children? Dress a doll for a ball? Yeah, I think I would. Would you?

Unwrap yourself with a movie that makes you think. About who you are. About real friendship. About real generosity.