Gosling’s improv Kenough moment has been celebrated and has become a social media meme juggernaut since last year’s release of Barbie. But he is much more than that, in fact this truly may be Gosling’s world we are living in and I will offer up four more roles that are just as sublime.
It should be no secret that Ryan Gosling can do it all. Yes, he truly was more than Kenough in Barbie, stealing so many scenes with his comedy, dance and vocal chops. He just oozes coolness in Drive and he’s equally powerful in Crazy, Stupid, Love, dripping the character in an insane level of charm. Over the course of his illustrious career, the actor has tallied three Oscar nominations, for Half Nelson, La La Land and Barbie. And he just may be getting started.
He got this year’s summer blockbuster season kick started with a glorious turn as the stunt double who becomes the hero in the action-packed film, The Fall Guy. So with his latest release still reeling it in at the box office, I look back and give you my favorite Ryan Gosling roles.
5. The Big Short (2015)
The only unredeemable character on this list is Jared Vennett. He is condescending, elitist, racist and sexist. It’s not the character I celebrate, it’s the obvious fun Gosling has playing Vennett that is noteworthy. It’s conspicuous, which enhances the caricaturist qualities of the role, allowing the audience to loathe and laugh at him is just as impressive as his ability to make them swoon and cry. So for me, number five is the insufferable banker Jared Vennett.
4. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
For me, Jacob Palmer, perhaps is Gosling at his funniest in a role that is almost a caricature of the worst-of-the worst Cool Guys. He is an irredeemably conceited, chauvinistic playboy, albeit with impeccable style, who forcibly teaches depressed, divorced dad Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) how to pick up women in an attempt to make his ex-wife (Julianne Moore) jealous. When this smooth talker falls for the fiery Hannah (Emma Stone), the Cool Guy persona begins to fade, allowing for a vulnerable, silly side to shine through. Jacob is genuinely endearing when he lets his guard down, ultimately winning over Hannah and of course multiple viewers.
3. The Fall Guy (2024)
Gosling in the role that was practically built for his charm jump started the summer blockbuster season this year. Gosling stars as stuntman Colt Seavers, directed by former stuntman, David Leitch, and tells the story of a down-and-almost-out stuntman who must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend’s blockbuster film. As it goes in the stunt business, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and falls from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. It’s to our amusement we watch as Gosling attempts to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life all while still doing his day job…. Is There Any Coffee On This Set?
2. La La Land (2016)
Gosling’s portrayal of Sebastian nabbed him his second Oscar nomination, partially because of his undeniable chemistry with three-time costar Emma Stone. But even more so it was his commitment to the character. Gosling spent months learning how to play piano in order to give an authentic portrait of struggling jazz musician Sebastian. All the while singing and dancing, the actor brings a realistic humanity to his character. Seb is hilarious and charming, despite his complex and deeply rooted flaws. Gosling’s performance surely encapsulates that kind of achy love you have for the people you want to hug and shake by the shoulders at the same time.
1. Barbie (2023)
Come On! Is there any other actor on Earth who could’ve delivered on Ken? I honestly don’t think so. Gosling steals Greta Gerwig’s show as Ken, the popular toy come to life and only to experience one existential masculinity crisis after another. It’s truly wild how Gosling somehow portrays a Ken that is obnoxious but still deeply lovable. I mean who doesn’t want to hang out with Ken in his Mojo Dojo Casa House? Can I ask, is Mattel selling those? Just SUBLIME!
That’s my favorite Ryan Gosling roles. What’s yours? Just drop a line and let me know.
Lee Pittman – June 28, 2024
