So here I am, sitting on the phone with the Academy Award® nominated writer of one the year’s most moving, warm and funny comedies with a really talented cast. Nancy Oliver, for those who don’t know, also wrote several episodes of the very successful “Six Feet Under” created by Alan Ball.
After speaking to director Craig Gillespie earlier and having a few laughs, curiosity called as to what the writer of such a craved after release would be like. So many different personalities…
Anyway, onto “Lars and the Real Girl” and I ask how she came up with the whole concept. We talk about the fact that it’s not a far shot of people’s comparison of owning a pet with the exception naturally of the sex issue coming into play. In the end it’s about the need for companionship in general.
Still, those dolls must cost a hefty sum. How much does it cost you ask? Try around $6,500! Yep, not exactly a cheap investment. Did she have a part in selecting a doll with such a tranquil look? Nancy Oliver explains that Craig Gillespie visited the factory numerous times and decided to go with that particular one. She additionally voices her confidence in Mr. Gillespie’s ability when saying that she left the entire decision up to him.
Still, did she always want to be a writer? According to her, she’d written from a girl but “she would have rather been a rock star.” Tricky choice, in this case though, “Lars” has already achieved instant cult status and a massive following so, I’d say it is mission accomplished in both respects.
Let’s get this part out the way and ask exactly why Craig Gillespie? Sure, he had tons of commercial experience but feature-wise, he’d only just finished “Mr. Woodcock” starring Billy Bob Thornton, Seann William Scott and Susan Sarandon. A film which bombed at the box office, but “Lars” is the film Craig had always wanted to make. Nancy Oliver confirms this and talks about his passion for the project since first reading it and his strength as a director; a man made for this project.
I ask her about Ryan’s submerging into the character of Lars - in order to keep her as real as possible, she was treated almost as a real person, correct? So we got half of it right; it was in fact both Mr. Gillespie and star Mr. Gosling’s feeling in this respect. Such is the spirit of the film, moving and, at once, innovative workmanship of cast and crew.
Yet, in making this, how much did the story change from its inception down to production?
Nancy Oliver explains that her screenplay didn’t even have an ending and, wonderfully enough, everything sort of fell into place as the project progressed. The wonder of an indie flick blessed with a strong writer and a project which leaves both critics and viewers warmed and impressed.
What about any future projects? Anything we should know about?
Nancy Oliver is working as a writer on the HBO show “True Blood” which features an attractive cast including multi-talented Anna Paquin, “Lillies” star Stephen Moyer and Ryan Kwanten of the recent puppet horror “Dead Silence” by “Saw” helmer James Wan.
As far as features go, next up is a western for Warner Bros. entitled “Handyman” which, understandably so, she states “I’m afraid to talk about it too much in case I jinx it!”
Ah, but with an Academy Award® nomination for “Lars,” Nancy Oliver has a great future ahead of her. We personally can’t wait for what’s in store.
- Peter Dimako, Editor, Movie Jungle
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