From The Notebook to La La Land: Ranking Ryan Gosling's Best Roles
Some of these roles were iconic, while others were a bit more... let's just say 'niche'.
10. "Only God Forgives" (Rotten Tomatoes: 41%)
Drenched in neon, Bangkok's underworld beckoned Julian, an American exiled for his sins. When his brother is killed, a thirst for revenge grows, but Vithaya Pansringarm's eerily righteous cop stands in his way. Battles of blood and psyche ensue, weaving a tale of familial ties and vendettas.
The city's seedy alleyways bore witness to Julian's mental unraveling. His mother, a venomous matriarch, only twisted the knife deeper. Yet, even in the heart of darkness, the question remained: can vengeance ever bring solace?
9. "Song to Song" (Rotten Tomatoes: 43%)
Austin's music scene set the stage, where love and ambition danced a delicate duet. BV, played by Gosling, found himself entangled in a complicated love triangle with Faye and Cook. Their relationships, just like their careers, ebbed and flowed like a haunting melody.
Guitars strummed, hearts drummed, and decisions weighed heavily. Success came at a price, often paid in personal betrayals. But beneath the music and the skylines, one had to wonder: what does it truly mean to find one's rhythm?
8. "Half Nelson" (Rotten Tomatoes: 91%)
Dan Dunne, a high school teacher by day, addict by night. His double life teetered precariously until Drey, one of his students, discovered his secret.
Their unlikely bond defied conventions, each offering the other a lifeline. As they navigated a neighborhood grappling with drugs and hopelessness, their stories intertwined. Dan's idealism clashed with his personal demons.
It was a tug-of-war between despair and redemption. But sometimes, the most unexpected connections can illuminate life's darkest corners.
7. "The Ides of March" (Rotten Tomatoes: 83%)
Political campaigns: a whirlwind of strategies, ambitions, and secrets. Stephen Meyers, Gosling's character, was the junior campaign manager for a presidential candidate. But when he stumbled upon a political scandal, the tides swiftly turned.
Trust was broken, allegiances shifted, and a game of cat and mouse ensued. Stephen's idealism was tested against the ruthless backdrop of politics. Deception became the order of the day. Yet, in the echoing halls of power, one had to ask: is integrity merely a pawn?
6. "The Place Beyond the Pines" (Rotten Tomatoes: 78%)
Luke, a motorcycle stunt rider, discovered a son he never knew he had. To provide for him, he turned to bank robberies, a perilous path that put him on a collision course with a rookie cop. Their fateful encounter would ripple through generations.
Choices made in moments of desperation haunted their families, weaving a complex tapestry of fathers and sons. As their destinies intersected, a tale of sacrifice and legacy unfolded.
In the shadow of towering pine trees, one pondered: can the past ever truly stay buried?
5. "Blue Valentine" (Rotten Tomatoes: 86%)
Dean and Cindy, a couple at a crossroads. Their relationship's chronicle unfolded in a series of non-linear snapshots. Passionate beginnings contrasted starkly with a crumbling present. The highs of young love juxtaposed against the weight of daily life.
As they grappled with their emotions, their past choices haunted the fraying edges of their bond. Yet, amidst the tears and laughter, one couldn't help but wonder: can love truly conquer all?
4. "Drive" (Rotten Tomatoes: 93%)
He was a Hollywood stunt driver by day, a getaway driver by night. Silent, brooding, with a scorpion jacket, Gosling's Driver navigated LA's neon-lit nights. But when he grew close to his neighbor, Irene, and her son, danger lurked.
Crime, betrayal, and high-octane car chases filled the city streets. As adversaries closed in, Driver's mysterious past caught up. With every rev of the engine, tension accelerated.
But beneath the leather gloves and cold stares, one question remained: can one ever truly outrun their past?
3. "La La Land" (Rotten Tomatoes: 91%)
Los Angeles: city of dreams and broken hearts. Enter Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress. Their paths crossed, and a whirlwind romance danced amidst starry nights and sun-kissed days.
However, as dreams took flight, reality's grip tightened. The allure of success tugged at their bond, melodies of love blending with notes of sacrifice. In a city that promises everything, they were forced to ask: what are dreams truly worth?
2. "The Big Short" (Rotten Tomatoes: 89%)
The 2008 financial crisis: a disaster in the making. Amidst the chaos, Jared Vennett (Gosling) was a slick Wall Street insider. Alongside a group of outsiders, they saw what others couldn't: an impending economic collapse.
Navigating a world of loans, bonds, and financial jargon, they bet against the American economy. As banks laughed, the tide began to turn. In a world blinded by greed, they dared to challenge the system.
But in the high-stakes game of finance, one must wonder: what's the real cost of a win?
1. "The Notebook" (Rotten Tomatoes: 54%)
Allie and Noah, summer lovers in the '40s, were torn apart by life's circumstances. Their tale was narrated by an elderly man to a woman in a nursing home.
Through life's storms and sunny days, their love story unfolded. War, class differences, and memory loss tested their bond. Yet, letters penned and dances in the rain kept their love alive. It was a testament to enduring passion and unyielding commitment.
For when love writes a tale, it begs the question: can it truly stand the test of time?