Oscar-nominee Ryan Gosling plays another challenging and off-beat role: A young, socially awkward man who is in love with… a life-sized doll he buys off the Internet. Yet somehow, “Lars” ends up as a sweet story about community, faith, and love. Go figure. Watch two clips here, and then read our interview with Gosling and “Lars” director Craig Gillespie:

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Plus: Watch Another Clip: A Church Meeting