'Ruby Sparks' flashes charming creativity

Zoe Kazan, who wrote the inventive and warmly whimsical 'Ruby Sparks,' stars as the film's titular character. (Credit: Merrick Morton, Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Who hasn't at one time or another wanted to will a dreamy ideal into existence?

Ruby Sparks (* * * out of four, rated R, opens Wednesday in select cities) takes that notion and expands it into a sophisticated and beguiling romantic fable.

Seemingly inspired by the Pygmalion myth, it's also a distant cousin of independent features like Stranger Than Fiction and Lars and the Real Girl, with a hint of the classic Harvey.

But that's not to imply that this is a derivative film. It's inventive and warmly whimsical, as co-directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) and written by co-star Zoe Kazan. The luminous cinematography by Matthew Libatique adds depth to the story, as does Nick Urata's lovely original score.

Calvin Weir-Fields (Paul Dano) is a shy novelist whose first book brought him great acclaim. But now the twentysomething author is stymied by writer's block. His therapist (Elliott Gould) asks him to pen a one-page tale about his dog in hopes of re-igniting Calvin's creative spark. The writer surprises himself by surmounting his artistic obstacles with the creation of a red-haired artist named Ruby Sparks. Calvin is suddenly inspired again.

But he has fashioned more than an endearing heroine. About a week after Calvin first conjures her up on the page, he finds the flesh-and-blood Ruby (Kazan) in his kitchen, whipping up some eggs. He fears he's lost his mind. Once he gets over his shock, he's all the more smitten.

The vivacious Ruby brings out the best in the brooding, bespectacled Calvin. But though she seems like any other living being, it turns out Calvin can change her at will with his written words. It's hard to resist that heady power.

The theme of control in a relationship is an intriguing point of exploration. Can Calvin let go of his notions about who Ruby ought to be and allow her to flourish independently? Or will he alienate her with his need to manipulate?

Kazan is consistently likable, deftly conveying her character's emotional shifts, which grow worrisome when Calvin increasingly becomes a puppet master. Dano is relatable, even when he's behaving badly. He conveys fear, neurosis and exuberance equally well.

The ending is sweet, albeit predictable, and could have used a more definitive resolution of Calvin and Ruby's relationship imbalance.

Still, the fictional premise is used cleverly to illuminate the creative process and explore romantic minefields, and the appealing Ruby Sparks has a low-key, polished charm.

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