Ryan Gosling’s latest film Project Hail Mary is set to release this week, to much anticipation from fans and critics alike. So, as viewers flock to the cinemas to see his latest endeavour, it is time we explore: what is it about Gosling that is so appealing? His popularity is particularly striking because it is so ubiquitous; the love for Ryan Gosling is seemingly unconstrained by age or gender. Surely, one reason for this is that he takes on such a variety of roles — it is both unusual and delightful that the most iconic movies in his filmography couldn’t be more different from one another.
The musical magic of La La Land, the heartbreaking romance of The Notebook and the criminal drama of Drive have very little in common except critical acclaim and the stardom of Ryan Gosling. Gosling takes on each of these roles with wholehearted enthusiasm; the fact that he embraces roles in the moody cult classics and the beloved romantic comedies alike makes him seem good-natured and self-assured.
He comes across this way in interviews, too. His demeanour is one of quiet confidence; he is relaxed and funny, as though he is both pleased to be there and completely unfazed by the media chaos around him. Whether this is his genuine personality or an affected persona is rendered almost irrelevant –
audiences are charmed. This charisma carries over to almost all his characters, too. Despite how vastly different his iconic movies are, the majority of his roles are characterised by a certain ‘Ryan Gosling’ brand of charm.
His character in Crazy, Stupid, Love is the most obvious example of this – he plays stereotypical lothario Jacob, who must teach the awkward Cal (Steve Carrell) how to romance. Gosling has the natural charisma and perfect comedic timing required to pull this role off perfectly. Even when not so overtly charming, Gosling’s roles usually find him at the centre of desire and envy; his unnamed character in Drive, a stuntman and getaway driver, is painfully cool and so obviously the product of a very specific male fantasy. Likewise, the chemistry between The Notebook’s Noah and Allie allows Gosling to become a beloved romantic hero.
Crucially, Gosling’s success is enduring because he brings substance as well as charm. His characters are beguiling but not empty – and it is this depth of performance that will continue captivating and moving audiences for years to come.
Illustration by Tracy Raitliff @paisley_pen_creative