Lars and the Real Girl is a masterpiece. It is weird, and odd, while respectfully discussing mental illness and grief, and also a town taking care of their own. It is one of my absolute favorite movies. I was always surprised with reactions in this movie. I kept expecting disgust or bullying as a response to him and his “girlfriend”; and while there was a little, he always had defenders, and the ladies in town included the doll in ladies outings and stuff. I LOVE THIS MOVIE

[–] meyotch@slrpnk.net 9 points 1 year ago

I was completely surprised by this movie, too. It truly touched me because of the artful way they presented the story. The family and townsfolk showed a level of compassion to an emotionally locked-in man that we don’t see often enough, but is well within human capacity.

I still remember being moved by the slow transformation of a shy quiet garage dweller into a more connected human being. My eyes leaked a little at the scene where he is belting out the song L-O-V-E without a hint of self consciousness.

Everyone deserves a chance to feel those peak experiences in their lifetimes. The fact that his community understood that and allowed him the space to grow was a small, but attainable miracle. Maybe we can do better?