A closer look at the actors tortured men, silent heroes, and wounded lovers.
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This article was originally published on July 21, 2023.
Weve updated it to include Ryan Goslings latest movie,The Fall Guy.
For a few years there, Ryan Goslings status as the internets No.
1 boyfriend threatened to overshadow his presence as an actor.
(We are not immune; were even going to talk about his looks in this list!)
He may justbe Ken, but hes notjustKen, you know?
27.The Gray Man(2022)
Oof.
Hes not the right fit, and overall, the Russo brothers movie is not a good time.
The pacing is uneven, though, and sometimes Goslings fragility is broad when it needs to be precise.
Its an acceptable early performance, but it also feels young in Goslings understanding of himself as an actor.
Of those three,The United States of Lelandis probably his flattest attempt.
(A postTwin PeaksSherilyn Fenn and young Michael Pena are absolute casting coups.)
But Leland is ultimately too cliched for Gosling to do much with.
Hes got gravitas, hes giving tough love.
Its familiarly plotted, sure, but efficiently acted.
18.Crazy, Stupid, Love(2011)
Yes, yes, the Photoshopped abs.
Were all aware of the most memorable line from Dan Fogelmans script.
Kudos to Gosling, though, for making the skinny-suit-wearing womanizer Jacob more than just an exceptionally sculpted torso.
might be the hardest the actor has ever looked.
What other actor could make that moment pitiable, even understandable?
16.The Ides of March(2011)
You exude something.
Gosling sells both sides of the character.
The films bookended auditorium scenes, and how they center Goslings transformed character, are a thoughtful touch.
15.The Big Short(2015)
Gosling is fantastic at being irritated.
He deserves aFall Guyappropriate thumbs up.
Is all that effort worth it if you achieve one form of success, but not the other?
Chazelle forces us to decide in the films devastating final moments.
(And it helped him get another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.)
Its not quite prestigious, of course.
But unlike many other Sparks adaptations, in Gosling and Rachel McAdamss hands, this one glides by.
For that generation-defining bit of romantic spectacle, we thank them for their service.
10.Barbie(2023)
Could anyone but Gosling make a near-incel so lovable?
during his song-and-dance number Im Just Ken.
All hail Ken, our new king of the himbos.
We hadthis very discussionhere at Vulture, and some points were made!
A real human being and a real hero, indeed.
(And its still the coolest hes looked onscreen.
Those leather driving gloves, yowza.)
Who knew Gosling was such an entertaining screamer and such a devoted physical comedian?
What can an actor convey with their body alone?
