Garden State (2004) Movie Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Garden State (2004) |
| Director | Zach Braff |
| Screenplay Writer | Zach Braff |
| Based on Novel by | — (Original screenplay) |
| Lead Actors | Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard |
| Cast | Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm, Jean Smart, Armando Riesco, Method Man, Alex Burns |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Release Date | July 28, 2004 (United States) |
| Duration | 1h 42m (102 minutes) |
| Budget | ~$2.5 million |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Box Office (Worldwide) | ~$35.8 million |
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Summary
Estranged from his family for a decade, a struggling L.A. actor returns home to New Jersey for his mother’s funeral. There, his outlook on life changes as he reconnects with old friends and makes a special new one.
Review
Zack Braff, known for his role on TV’s “Scrubs,” directs and stars in this film, doing a pretty darn good job of both. It’s only faults are the result of his trying too hard to create unique, vivid imagery. Some of the sight gags and scenes included in the film serve no apparent purpose, as if the final cut was simply not edited down. The same is true of the filming itself, with its repeated use of slow motion and time lapse techniques.
As much as these shortcomings take away from the film’s dramatic effect, its characters and thematic elements are superb. It is a story of regret, romance, confronting lingering fears, and coming of age in 21st Century America that shouldn’t be missed.
Andrew Largeman (Braff) is a part time actor trying to make it in L.A. Hopped up on anti depressants for as long as he can remember, he is finally forced back to his native New Jersey when his disabled mother drowns.
The film shines in is depiction of Largeman’s relationship with Sam (Portman), a girl he meets for the first time back home. Played brilliantly by Portman, Sam represents everything he isn’t. She helps him confront his past and come to grips with who he is, a little at a time. His interactions with Mark (Sarsgaard) and some other of his deadbeat high school friends give the conflicted Largeman even more depth, while producing some truly funny moments.
The viewer instantly connects with, and feels for all of the characters as they seek their inner selves, which is no small feat. Good soundtrack, too.
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