Didn't realize he had so many movies.
Could I trouble someone for a recommend? As a big fan of Drive and a Place beyond the Pines, what would you recommend I start with? BTW, I've seen OGF, and I agree it's not very good.
Sure, OGF is certainly not for everyone and while I loved Drive (in my all time top 10), OGF was def. not for me.
Depends on what genres you like really, or simply if you want to see different sides of him.
Crazy Stupid Love: Fun movie with a great cast. Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei and Steve Carell. Romcoms are generally really bad but I really enjoyed this one. One of the reasons being Gosling, he plays this very cool playboy and has great chemistry with Stone (and Carell as well). This is one of his movies the general audience likes. This and The Notebook I would recommend watching with your gf/date. Or just on your own if you don't mind.
Blue Valentine: Heart breaking, incredibly acted and put together drama about a couple. Derek Cianfrance (who also directed Place beyond the pines) beautifully paints this picture about a couple while they are falling in love and switches to them as an older couple where they basically hate each other. It is very relatable (if you've ever been in an actual relationship) and just overall great. Michelle Williams is also amazing in this movie.
Lars and the Real girl and Half Nelson: Maybe not for everyone, but these def. show how good he is. While he got an Oscar nom for Half Nelson, I think his performance in Lars and the Real girl is impeccable. His mannerisms, the way he speaks, looks etc. He was that character and made the movie work.
Fracture: Underrated movie imo, I really enjoyed it and Anthony Hopkins is also great in this.
The Believer: He was young in this one, but really great. Playing a young Jewish man who develops this anti-Semitic philosophy.