Ryan Gosling was the true star of this movie. He blew away the head line actors (Clooney, Hoffman, Tomei, Giamatti). His delivery is never over the top but is presence dares you to not recognize him. He just commands the screen. It was a shame that the Oscars over looked him for best supporting actor if not best actor this season. I think the movie itself was just too weak at certain points and Ryan, as great as he is, just couldn't carry every one and the weak plot.