Lakewood ‘Kid’ Makes It Big in Hollywood

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The opening scene of the new movie “The Place Beyond the Pines” is thrilling. The main character, Luke, played by Ryan Gosling, is a carnival stuntman. He rides a motorcycle upside down in a steel cage. He has to hit the perfect speed at the perfect time, or he and the bike will come crashing down. You’re convinced something terrible’s gonna happen. But, no. Gosling’s character is an acrobat on wheels. He’s not, however, so adept at navigating real life. The writer and director of “The Place Beyond the Pines” is Derek Cianfrance. Cianfrance grew up in the Denver area and studied film at CU-Boulder. He speaks with Ryan Warner.

[Photo: Grant Beery]