Saltzman Sees...Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Lars and the Real Girl is one of the sweetest stories ever told about how a town can embrace a man fully, despite any flaws he might have, no matter how unique.  Ryan Gosling is incredible as Lars Lindstrom, a man suffering from what can best be described as Delusional Disorder.  Rather than commit Lars or convince him he's not normal, everyone in his life plays along trying to do what is best for him.  The performances are breathtaking, from veterans like Patricia Clarkson, to lesser-known actors like Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider and Kelli Garner.

Ryan Gosling won my Best Actor of 2007.

Gosling was nominated for a Golden Globe as well as a Screen Actors Guild award for his performance.  However, Gosling wasn't nominated for an Oscar. Writer Nancy Oliver, who was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, answers the question: What would happen if everyone in a person's life supported them through their mental breakdown?  The small recognition and its meager performance at the box office makes it clearly my choice for the Most Underrated Movie of 2007.

It truly is one of the most refreshing and remarkable looks at how to treat any disorder.