Since then, he never looked back and soon evolved into a heartthrob and one of the most established actors of his generation. In this article, we have listed some of the best Ryan Gosling performances.
After his role on Disney Channel, he went on to appear in family shows like Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark? His breakthrough came in 2004 when he starred in the romantic drama The Notebook and became famous for his roles in this genre. However, Ryan Gosling’s performances are not limited to romantic movies. He has earned a name in diverse genres and for picking up different roles.
Here are the Best Ryan Gosling performances-
1. The Believer (2001)
Marking his debut in Hollywood, The Believer sure isn’t his most famous film, but it is surely a testament to his potential, which was visible right from the beginning. Ryan Gosling took the role of Danny Balint, a leader of a Neo-nazi group who is hiding the truth- that he is a Jewish man.
It is the most nuanced and conflicted character that Gosling has to take as Danny clashes with his faith and questions the route he chose for himself.
Directed by Damien Chazelle, First Man is a biographical drama recording the life of the iconic astronaut, Neil Armstrong. Ryan Gosling plays the character of Armstrong and shows his quest to become the first man to walk on the moon.
Perfectly executing the role, Gosling displays his professional as well as personal life, including some circumstances that may have pushed him to do the gigantic task ahead of him.
3. La La Land (2016)
An unforgettable movie with exceptional chemistry shown between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, La La Land is a musical romantic drama following the journey of two people struggling to build their careers- Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress.
The movie earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination for the same, both being an open testament to his stunning performance in the movie.
4. Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Almost every actor has a movie in their career list that was a commercial failure but was critically acclaimed. Lars and the Real Girl is the movie for Ryan Gosling. The movie received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and rightly so.
The comedy-drama has a peculiar story as it follows Lars, a socially anxious man who develops romantic feelings for a sex doll. Gosling’s performance as a person with social anxiety, along with the portrayal of romantic attraction towards a doll, shows the sheer talent of the actor.
5. The Notebook (2004)
Any list mentioning Ryan Gosling’s best performances would be incomplete without mentioning the film that gained a cult following, especially for Ryan Gosling’s character.
Based on the book of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, the movie revolves around the forbidden love trope, follows two people who fall for each other but are separated because of the girl’s parents, until they meet again years later.
The movie became an epic love story because of its distinction from the generic stories of the early 2000s, as well as the electric chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
6. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Before La La Land, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone also worked together in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Directed by Glenn Ficarra, the movie shows multiple love stories interconnected. Gosling plays the role of Jacob, a womanizer who has been rejected by Hannah, played by Emma Stone, and cannot get over it easily.
Taking a break from the romantic roles of Gosling, the movie shows the comedic side of the actor, too, and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
7. Drive (2011)
Away from the charming, hopeless romantic, Drive shows a new side of the actor, as it features Ryan Gosling as a stunt driver.
Although Ryan Gosling went on to take more dangerous and bold roles, Drive has been arguably one of his best endeavors in this genre. Referred to as “Driver” in the movie, Gosling moonlights as a getaway driver who has a knack for speaking less and being a sharp observer. Showing Gosling as an intimidating and calculating hero, Drive offered a fresh take on the crime genre, which fascinated the audience.
Conclusion
From small roles to big movies, Ryan Gosling has established his name in Hollywood. His next big role on the screen will be as “Ken” alongside Margot Robbie playing the character of Barbie. Ken has been Barbie’s famous boyfriend, and as Gosling has made his name for playing in romantic movies, who could have been more perfect for the role?
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