notjustaboutsex

I am too old to have a crush on Ryan Gosling. These days I have crushes on specific flavors of ice cream and a brand of English muffins from Citarrella. But heaven help me, afrer watching that little guy play a Jewish Neo-Nazi, I have been infatuated with his acting. It’s as if his essence is always there, but he adapts himself to every character in such specific ways that make for a delicious twist of believability and charm. His smoky sort of citified voice (odd for someone from Canada) and that Scorpionic stare are riveting.

I am good at discoveries. I was one of the first to cheer on the comedy show Schitt’s Creek. I have an eye for spotting heart and talent and Mr. Gosling is dripping in them both. Plus, like Schitt’s Creek, he is so funny.

Last night I paid extra on Amazon Prime to catch him in a 2005 film ‘Stay’ (director Marc Forster) where he plays a 20 year old depressed art student…is there any other way to be an art student? In this visually hypertonic smash up of alternative realities, shrink Ewen McGregor tries to help him unravel his pain. Though not the most satisfying cinema event, Ryan’s performance sells. He is both young, confused and dangerous in equal measures and you believe his future art will be great because he has walked the edge. Even when he is insolent, you want to love him as he manages to hold both remoteness and vulnerability in the same breath.

I’m hoping his star continues to rise and he continues to get the kind of roles he deserves. And as much as I’m addicted to those Facebook captures of Ryan on various talk shows, I hope he doesn’t burn out on the PR circuit. What’s so interesting about him is that even when he does these candid tell-alls, he is still seems neither egotistical nor whiny and maintains a level of mystery which is so compelling.

From the little I’ve read, his mom Donna raised him singlehandedly and supported his visions. Take note all you Mama Roses out there…

So mea culpa Ryan… you rock my boat and I will sail with you in whichever seas your talent travels.