For some, Ryan Gosling will always be the guy willing to fight for the girl of his dreams in ‘The Notebook.’ For others, he’s just the handsome boy in the Mickey Mouse Club. However, if 2011 has proven anything, it’s that Gosling is capable of a lot more than courting Rachel McAdams or dancing with Britney Spears.
With a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in ‘Blue Valentine’ and three leading roles in the last four months, Gosling has quickly turned into one of Hollywood’s biggest male stars.
Gosling in the driver’s seat–figuratively, as well.
The thing about Gosling is that he can completely transform into any character he chooses. He’s incredibly believable, and the audience can’t get enough of him. As much as I love looking at him, I don’t necessarily see him on screen. I see the three different characters he’s portrayed in these last few months: a womanizer turned fool for love, a criminal stunt driver, and a brilliant campaign manager who finds out too much for his own good.
This past summer he played Jacob in ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ opposite Steve Carrell in the year’s best romantic comedy so far, and one of the most perfectly-cast films as well. Jacob is a smooth-talking, well-dressed guy who loves women and takes a new one home practically every night, except the one who got away (Emma Stone). Gosling shows off his abs of steel and newly toned body that makes women wonder, “where has this guy been hiding?” It bears mentioning that the film brought in $82 million domestically, making it Gosling’s highest grossing film by more than $40 million since ‘The Notebook.’ Not only does Gosling show off his hot bod, but his stunning acting abilities as well in the crazy smart film directed by Glenn Ficcara and John Requa.
Gosling also stars in ‘Drive,’ which hit theaters in September and was expected to be a box office hit. With a 93 percent “fresh”rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has brought in a lean $30 million. That’s a bit of a let down given the raves, but the film only cost a cool $15 million.
Recently, a story came out about a Michigan woman suing the makers of ‘Drive’ because the trailer was misleading. Give me a break, lady; not every great movie has to consist of 90 percent car chases and things blowing up to be considered worthwhile. ‘Drive’ is one of the best films of the year, and that’s because of its beautiful cinematography, lack of dialogue and Gosling in the most unique role of his still-young career.
The actor also earned praise for the political thriller ‘The Ides of March’ where he played Stephen Meyers, a press secretary/campaign manager for typical liberal politician Mike Morris (George Clooney, who also directs the film). If you’ve seen the film, you know what I’m talking about when I say ‘typical,’ and if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it to all political junkies and anyone who has worked on a campaign. Gosling works his natural charms into the role, making it hard to resist the governor’s aide with his fancy suits and winning smile.
The star has recently been hounded by the media for breaking up a fight in New York City between two men fighting over a painting. The amateur video of the altercation catches Gosling in a rather horrid stripped tank top trying to calm the men and diffuse the situation. At least we see that the actor has a soft side and is human, too. Gosling told E! News that women get disappointed when they realize he’s not Ryan Reynolds. Well, Ryan, from me to you, I’d be happy to take a picture with you and maybe even throw in a hug.
Gosling is currently filming ‘Gangster Squad’ with Emma Stone, Josh Brolin and Sean Penn. The film is set for an October 2012 release.
Wicked abs, a smoldering stare and talent beyond his years, Gosling makes 2011 an exciting year for movies and brings back that characteristic — some might call it class — that made the stars of yesteryear beloved to their audiences.
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