A Pretty Face

Recently I have watched two films which seemed similar to me in style, that kind of dramady small-budget indie film with big names (actors) and charm. A big similarity which struck me was how ridiculous both of their plots sound written down.

In order to raise the tuition to send her young son to private school, a mom starts an unusual business -- a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service -- with her unreliable sister. |

This first synopsis is from Sunshine Cleaning which I saw at the cinema a couple of weeks ago. Produced by the same company as Little Miss Sunshine, I have heard that it is a lesser version of the same film, but not having seen Little Miss Sunshine I can't comment on that. I can only say that it was a sweet, charming film which had you leaving the cinema with a feeling of positivity.

I was slightly later on the bandwagon with the DVD of Lars and the Real Girl, whose synopsis is probably even more wacky-sounding.

A delusional young guy strikes up an unconventional relationship with a doll he finds on the Internet.

Despite their different plots, the films were so strikingly similar to me. Essentially, both share the same messages about retaining your individuality, family love and relationships, and fully entering and living life. I wondered if this was a co-incidence, or because these themes and messages are so prevalent, that they were shared by two films which are also similar in all the more superficial stylistic ways too.

I think possibly it's because when making these 'dramadies', you need the basic ingedients of humour and warmth. As is so potently demonstrated when I watched the special feature on the Lars DVD entitled 'A Real Leading Lady':



My favourite part, which had me totally in love with Ryan Gosling (along with the great body which was so sadly hidden in the frumpy outfits of the film):

Off-screen Interviewer: I really wanna know from Bianca why this film, why this project...

Ryan Gosling: (chewing gum)

(nodding, looking at Bianca) Oh (laughs) that's funny.

She says that, um, working with me really was what drew her to the project and that she can't really describe it, something like that, working with me is sort of so undescribable, it's only she could liken it maybe to what it would be like to watch a unicorn being born or something like that