Not sure if you've heard, but Ryan Gosling has a new film opening today. (And here you thought all those talk show appearances were for your sole benefit.)
The Canadian actor's latest film, The Nice Guys, sees him throwing it back to the 1970s opposite Russell Crowe. Unfortunately, the reviews aren't exactly of the "rave" variety, so if you'd rather skip the cineplex and watch The Notebook or Lars and the Real Girl on repeat, we understand. But while there's no shame in freeze-framing Baby Goose's shirtless scene in Crazy, Stupid, Love for a few hours while you scour the internet for your favorite "Hey Girl" memes, a true Gosling fan would use the time to dig a little deeper into his IMDB profile.
No, we don't mean The Mickey Mouse Club. Like any celebrity, Gosling's had some hits (hello, Drive) and some flops (hello, Only God Forgives). He's also had edgy dramas that earned critical acclaim but didn't make a huge box office dent, and smaller films that pop up on Netflix once in a while. If you're ready to drink the whole Gosling Kool-Aid, we recommend giving these performances a chance.
The Believer(2001)
Loosely based on a true story, this gripping drama sees Gosling mesmerize as a former Jewish yeshiva student turned Neo-Nazi. It's an upsetting film, but definitely show's the actor's range.
Video: Courtesy of Fireworks Pictures.Murder by Numbers(2002)
Though largely forgettable, this Sandra Bullock thriller let Gosling chew some scenery as a sadistic, spoiled teen under suspicion of murder. And yes, he and Bullock dated afterwards.
Video: Courtesy of Warner Bros.Half Nelson(2006)
Gosling earned his first (and only!) Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a drug-abusing teacher who has an unconventional relationship with his student.
Video: Courtesy of ThinkFilm.Fracture(2007)
Gosling and Anthony Hopkins face off in this crime thriller with a gotcha! ending. The legal drama sees Gosling as an ambitious deputy district attorney romancing Rosamund Pike and trying to get Hopkins locked up for killing his wife.
Video: Courtesy of New Line Cinema.All Good Things(2010)
If you liked The Jinx, press play on this drama loosely based on Robert Durst's alleged crimes. Gosling plays against type as a real estate heir who weds the lovely Katie (Kirsten Dunst) and makes her life a living hell. The sinister role also called for Gosling to pose as a middle-aged woman.
Video: Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.The Ides of March (2011)
If you thought this election season was ugly, watch Gosling play campaign manager to George Clooney's slick and shady presidential candidate.
Video: Courtesy of Sony.The Place Beyond the Pines(2012)
Though best known for being the film which brought Gosling and Eva Mendes together, this drama delivers a respectable performance from the actor as a bank-robbing stuntman desperate to keep his family together.
Video: Courtesy of Focus Features.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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