Ryan Gosling, quite simply (Arte): how Drive made the actor a pop culture phenomenon

He is an illustrious actor whom Arte honors by broadcasting Ryan Gosling, quite simply, Sunday February 19, 2023 at 11 p.m. The opportunity to learn more about the fascinating career of the Canadian that all of Hollywood is tearing up.

A favorite actor of the public and critics, a sex symbol with a reputation as the perfect gentleman, a committed man… We all have a good reason to adore Ryan Gosling. The actor owes his notoriety not only to his perfect physique but also – and above all – to his very sure taste for his roles: light romance as in Never forget Or Crazy, Stupid Love to drama like Only God Forgives Or The Place Beyond the Pinespassing by the musical with Lalaland, he excels in all registers. A career that is much talked about, much more than his private life of which we know almost nothing. It is therefore in his artistic journey that Arte is interested, which broadcasts this Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 11 p.m. Simply Ryan Gosling. A documentary which returns, among other things, to the decisive role that the film will have had Drive in his journey.

A wide variety of roles

At the time of the release of this thrilling thriller in 2011, the actor was already 31 years old and had known fame for a few years. Because Ryan Gosling, child star of the Mickey Mouse Club, has been a regular on film sets since he was 8 years old. But Drive allows him to reach a new level of notoriety in Hollywood. It must be said that the Canadian actor has already distinguished himself in many productions, independent or big budget, in dramatic or lighter roles. To start with Danny Balint which earned him the interest of the public and critics, then Never forget, which launched his career. His remarkable performance in Half Nelson allows him to be nominated for the Oscar for best actor: he can now choose his roles, with a predilection for small productions, such as Blue Valentine Or… Drive. When Ryan Gosling is offered the character of this ace driver who performs stunts by day and heists at night, he is already a very trendy figure in the seventh art, to the point of being able to decide the director himself. It will be the Danish Nicolas Winding Refn.

Drive: the consecration

A very daring decision: the filmmaker is known for his radical and uncompromising style. He remembers their first meeting:I was completely stoned but I immediately understood that we would complete each other. ” The two men have never worked together but discover a real bond that makes the film a hypnotic, dreamlike and above all, unique thriller. Because this visceral action film is coupled with a wildly romantic love story, that elevates Ryan Gosling to pop culture phenom.”His minimalist acting makes him an ideal projection surface“, recalls the documentary. Not only does his image as a mysterious and sexy handsome kid sell phone cases, socks and other gadgets bearing his image, but it also reinforces his online popularity. Because among the treasures of the 2010s, the Ryan Gosling’s memes figure prominently. Enough to make the actor smile, who nevertheless loves nothing so much as his tranquility and who will subsequently take many breaks. Even if 2023 promises to be very rich!