It feels like it’s been a long time since a romantic comedy rolled around that appealed to adults. Larry Crowne was cute, if perhaps a little naïve, so Crazy, Stupid, Love was a welcome addition to local cinemas. I’d been looking forward to this one for a while – Emma Stone calling Ryan Gosling ‘photoshopped’ in the trailer was extremely promising and clever – and was all too pleased to have caught an advance screening of the film.
What I didn’t know was how very close-to-home it would be. Steve Carrell manages two identities in Hollywood: Michael Scott, and Everyman. I prefer the performances in which he demonstrates his finer acting skills (Little Miss Sunshine, Dan in Real Life), as he does in Crazy, Stupid, Love. As a man blindsided by his wife’s request for a divorce, Carrell is heartbreakingly truthful. It’s a grounded performance for what could have been a pathetic make-over movie. Instead the reality of the situation reveals a depth to the story. Why, exactly, he bonds with Ryan Gosling is a little elusive, but it’s something pardonable under the “it’s a movie!” premise. Gosling is suave and charming in a departure role, bringing his trademark honesty to a womanizing bar hound - if it wasn’t for the hideous bling ring he wears throughout the film, I’d completely understand why the women go home with him. Also, why don’t any of the women return the bar, resenting his womanizing ways? Food for thought.
Julianne Moore is lovely, as usual, and not nearly as weepy as the trailer would have you believe. Emma Stone, however, is exactly the ‘contemporary young independent’ factor that the trailer promotes. Seeing as she’s America’s darling right now, it’s natural that Gosling’s character should fall in love with her from one evening in her company. Surely it helps to imitate the kiss from The Notebook, as well.
Producers have populated the film with dynamite and amusing performers. A major plotline features a 13 year old boy and his unabashed, unrequited love for his babysitter, which is very well played by newcomer Jonah Bobo and up-and-comer Analeigh Tipton. Josh Groban makes a surprise appearance as Emma Stone’s first love interest, while Kevin Bacon and Marissa Tomei bring subtlety to some truly ludicrous situations.
It’s an ensemble comedy that comes together in unexpected ways, and just goes to prove what we already know - everything we do is generated by one of three feelings: Crazy, Stupid, Love.
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