Lars and the Real Girl...Ryan Gosling in compelling drama! Writer wins "Humanitas Prize"...

In reviewing "Lars and the Real Girl", one critic referred to the project as a love story, but the assessment is misleading.

Through the grapevine, you probably got a whiff of the synopsis for the film.

A shy young man - played expertly by Ryan Gosling - falls in love with an anatomically correct doll he mail-orders from the Internet.

Then, Lars proceeds to introduce the young lady - Bianca - to family and a circle of friends and co-workers as his girlfriend.

Early on, as the story quickly unfolds, it's apparent that Gosling's character is using the "dummy" to bridge an inadequacy while maintaining a grip on reality at the same time.

For example, in spite of the fact the whole idea of a love affair with a manufactured doll seems way out in left field, Gosling's charming character quickly conjures up a support system to protect his imaginary little world.

For example, he quickly figures into the scenario a "wheelchair" to get Bianca around; after all, in the inner-most recesses of his mind, it's obvious that a non-living companion without flesh and blood, cannot walk.

Here, we have the opportunity to glimpse the fascinating machinations of the mind - and witness what its complex reasoning and problem-solving skills are capable of - in the most awkward and unusual circumstances.

This is undoubtedly due to the fact that writer - Nancy Oliver - wrote an insightful compelling script which was just awarded a Humanitas Prize this past week (shared with Ronald Harwood of "The Diving Bell) which honored her for "exploring the human condition and revealing common humanity".

Indeed, the subject matter is handled with good taste and surprising sensitivity; for instance, the segments where Bianca becomes ill resonate deeply and are thought-provoking, at best.

In fact, the tale turns down an intriguing path at this juncture in the film.

A local physician (also a psychologist) treats Bianca under the guise that Lars' companion is the focus of medical care- when, in fact - the "wise old owl" is using the occasion to surreptitiously observe her true patient, Lars.

The functional role is played with understated simplicity by Patricia Clarkson, who turns in an affecting crisp performance, which is right on the money.

The town's people are in on the "skinny" and treat Bianca like a real person.

Initially, the townsfolk react in a classic way: in disgust, with surprise, and full of curiosity!

It stretches one's credulity a bit, though, to imagine that in a small red-neck town - the guys would warm up to the idea and forgo on any taunting of Lars about what appears to be a "fetish", though.

In one humorous moment, one stud retorts:

"Heh, a woman that doesn't talk back, I want one!"

Of course, if you think that the message is that women are expendable: wrong!

In the closing scenes, the underlying theme is underscored, quite explicitly.

There is no substitute for the real thing!

Hence, the title, "Lars and the Real Girl".

You'll figure it out.