Ryan Gosling, widely recognized for his impressive performances and collaborations with acclaimed directors, has experienced both critical acclaim and notable failures throughout his career. Among the ups and downs, his involvement in the psychological thriller Stay, directed by Marc Forster in 2005, stands out as his most notorious box office failure. Despite its poor reception, Gosling has openly acknowledged the film’s unexpected influence on audiences and what it reveals about the nature of acting.
The Highs and Lows of Ryan Gosling’s Career
Gosling has built a reputation through work with filmmakers such as Denis Villeneuve, Damien Chazelle, and Nicolas Winding Refn, earning praise for movies like La La Land and contributing to the massive success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. However, not every project has met with critical or commercial success. His third film alongside Emma Stone, Gangster Squad, received significantly worse reviews compared to their prior hits, and some of his action movies, including Netflix’s The Gray Man, have largely faded from public memory.
The Story Behind Stay’s Failure
Stay attempted to explore complex psychological themes with Gosling portraying Henry, a troubled artist hearing voices and foreseeing future events, who seeks help from psychologist Dr. Sam Foster, played by Ewan McGregor. Written by David Benioff, known later for Game of Thrones, and featuring Naomi Watts, the film tried to evoke a mysterious, artsy atmosphere inspired by David Lynch’s distinctive style. However, critics were unimpressed by its intricate but confusing plot and perceived lack of genuine depth. Financially, the movie was a disaster, earning only $8.4 million against a $50 million budget.
Ryan Gosling Reflects on Stay’s Reception
Despite the film’s failure, Gosling has expressed a surprisingly pragmatic and candid view of its impact. He acknowledged to W magazine,
“We knew going in that they were giving us way more money to make it than we would ever make back,”
and recalled an encounter with a young fan who bluntly asked,
“Are you that guy from Stay? What the fuck was that movie about?”
I think that’s great. I’m just as proud if someone says, ‘Hey, you made me sick in that movie,’ as if they say I made them cry.”
This honesty reveals Gosling’s understanding that eliciting a strong reaction, even confusion or discomfort, is part of the actor’s job. He recognizes that any emotional response—whether positive or negative—signals engagement, which many actors strive to achieve.
What Stay Means in Gosling’s Body of Work
Although Stay is often regarded as one of Ryan Gosling’s weakest films, it continues to provoke discussion and maintains a small following who view it differently. For some, it even ranks among his more memorable roles. The film’s failure serves as an example of the risks involved in experimental storytelling and the difficulty of replicating unique cinematic styles like those of David Lynch.
In reflecting on Stay, Gosling highlights the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and audience reception. While not every role will be a triumph, the willingness to take risks and induce various emotional responses remains central to his career.
