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We’ve all seen and praised Ryan Gosling‘s outstanding, hysterical performance in Barbie (2023). With his performance as Ken getting not only critical acclaim but even awards buzz, audiences and reviewers are rightfully praising his comedic chops. But little do people know that Gosling showed off his skill at cinematic humor much earlier, in a little-seen buddy cop film called The Nice Guys (2016). Despite generally positive feedback from the press, the movie went overlooked by the public, sadly tanking at the box office. It’s time to fix that problem, and give this gem the attention it deserves.
What’s the Setup?
The premise is pretty simple: two private eyes- the bumbling Holland March (Ryan Gosling), and the gruff Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe)- team up to investigate the death of a porn star named Misty Mountains (Murielle Telio), as well as track down Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley), the daughter of powerful senator Judith Kuttner (Kim Basinger). Along the way, the pair discover much more than they bargained for, and even discover a strong ally in Holland’s daughter Holly (Angourie Rice).
What Works About It?
The Nice Guys is a marvelously entertaining comedy because of its simplicity. It is content to observe these sharply drawn, wonderfully performed characters as they embark on their misadventures. There isn’t any philosophizing or a deeper message. The performances also sell the sheer fun of the story, too. Ryan Gosling, as hinted prior, is sensational as Holland. While not the brightest bulb in the drawer, and being in dire straits, he sells the detective’s desperation to just make some extra money for himself and his kid. But as more details come to light, he becomes earnestly convicted in his desire to serve the law. This also makes his gesticulation during the physical comedy, as well as his delivery of the dialogue, feel surprisingly grounded even when it threatens to go over the top.
source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Russell Crowe is more of the typical no-nonsense straight man to Gosling‘s funny man (which is ironically what makes him so humorous). He plays every scene like a guy who’s just done with other people’s messing around. He could be a great detective, but never took that opportunity. All of his annoyance could easily be borne out of regret, and Crowe portrays that perfectly.
But nobody steals the show away from Angourie Rice as Holly March, Holland’s daughter. Though she would later continue to display her talent in projects such as Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), this is still her best work. With the help of the brilliant screenplay, Rice turns Holly into a fiercely confident, equally funny detective-in-training, even if her father doesn’t want her tagging along. Every inquisitive look of the eyes, how she holds herself, how she speaks, constantly gives the impression that Holly is analyzing others’ motivations, trying to sense what they’re really thinking. Like any great investigator, she’s whip-smart at knowing exactly what to say, who to talk to, or what to do, in order to get one step closer to unearthing the truth.
What About the Technicals?
Shane Black‘s direction, as well as Philipe Rousselot‘s cinematography, merge to beautifully orchestrate the timing of the visual gags at all times. The actors are always staged in just the right place, and the camera set up with just the right angle and movement, to hit each comic beat like a bullseye. It also helps that Joel Negron‘s editing has a keen sense for where and when to place his cuts to add that extra oomph to each laugh.
source: Warner Bros. Pictures
The costumes by Kym Barrett also lend a bundle of personality to each character, while it also wonderfully recreates the fashion of the late seventies. Holland’s suits and ties always look like he just got out of bed and wants to play the part of a PI, even though he is one. Jackson’s clean-cut denim jeans and jackets play in such genius contrast to his gruff persona, but also convey the essence of a man who’s not fooling around. You get the idea.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t seen The Nice Guys by this point, I hope I’ve inspired you to check it out. It’s got witty dialogue, well-thought-out direction, and expertly calibrated performances and technical aspects. It is an original piece of work, not based on an IP. Anybody who likes a good odd-couple crime comedy can’t afford to miss this one.
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