Crazy, Stupid, Love turns 10 years old in 2021, and was directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. I’m quite the sucker for a good romcom, so I was a bit surprised that I hadn’t seen this one yet, as it’s one of the most beloved in recent memory. Some friends and I rectified this last night, as we had a viewing party over Discord.
Can I just start off by saying I was so intrigued by the fact that Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play love interests in this movie, just 5 years before they would play love interests in La La Land? A movie that would win Emma Stone her first Academy Award, and nearly took home Best Picture? It’s wild to me. Also, watch La La Land, if you like musicals. God, I love that movie.
Anyway, the movie primarily centers on Steve Carell, and was likely his first big project after departing from The Office. After being married for decades, his wife files for divorce, completely turning his world upside down. In his 40s, with absolutely no swag or any idea of how to talk to a woman, Steve Carell’s character goes under the tutelage of Ryan Gosling (I’m just going to use actor names instead of characters, it’s easier). Gosling helps Carell get his mojo back, teaching him how to present and carry himself. I was extremely delighted to learn that Crazy, Stupid, Love is the origin of this iconic Ryan Gosling gif, a personal favorite. The scene it comes from doesn’t disappoint, either.
You know what else is really strange? Emma Stone's character references the book Scarlet Letter in the movie. In 2010’s Easy A, Emma Stone’s character also references the book Scarlet Letter. These movies came out in back to back years (2010, 2011) and were made by two entirely different creative teams. What are the odds? If I had a nickel every time Emma Stone’s character in a movie referenced Scarlet Letter... okay I’d only have two nickels, but it’s still weird that it happened twice.
Steve Carrell goes on to sleep with roughly 7 or 8 women (I can’t remember the exact number) after his divorce, including his son’s 8th grade teacher, played by Marisa Tomei, just 6 years before she’d be Aunt May in Spider-Man: Homecoming. What a stunningly gorgeous woman Marisa Tomei is....
Like any good romcom, the parallel storylines and relationships all converge in what can only be described as the most glorious car wreck you’ve ever seen. A lot of characters have beef with each other, and find themselves in the same backyard at the same time, all for completely different reasons. Hands are thrown, beef is settled, and we get another iconic Ryan Gosling gif!
It’s been a while since I saw a romcom that had everything I want from the genre. Crazy, Stupid, Love delivers consistent laughs, while telling a heartfelt story from beginning to end. Even if the movie was mediocre, Ryan Gosling’s performance would still make it worth the watch.
