Garden State (2004) Synopsis:
Andrew Largeman shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation from the pills to see what might happen. A moderately successful TV actor living in Los Angeles, "Large" hasn't been home to the "Garden State" in nine years. But even with 3,000 miles between them, he's been unable to escape his domineering father Gideon and the silencing effect he's had on his son from afar. Stunned to find himself in his hometown after such a long absence, Large finds old acquaintances around every corner living quite unique lives as gravediggers, fast food knights and the panderers of pyramid schemes. Meanwhile, at home, he does his best to avoid a long-simmering but inevitable confrontation with his father. By a twist of fate, Large meets Sam, a girl who is everything he isn't. A blast of color, hope and quirks, Sam becomes a sidekick who refuses to ride in his sidecar. Her warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is life.
Garden State (2004) Movie Review:
Coming home to New Jersey for the first time in nine years for his Mother’s funeral, Andrew Largeman (Braff) really doesn’t want to be there. Not really speaking to his father (Holm), Andrew catches up with his high school friends and meets Sam (Portman), a girl he instantly connects with. While his life had been pretty empty in LA, Andrew actually starts to wake up to life and the possibilities that he could actually be happy.
The move from actor to director is a big one but when you throw in writer as well, you are joining a very select band of filmmakers. Zach Braff easily makes that heady list.
Starring, written and directed by the actor more known for his role as J.D. in the hit medical comedy ‘Scrubs’, this is an outstanding debut and a showcase for a genuine talent. Any fan of the show will already know that Braff is a talented comedic actor but no one would have guessed that is was only a smidgen of his talent.
In ‘Garden State’ he brings us a story and a set of characters that you can instantly connect with and are completely captivating. These are average, everyday people wondering through life, slightly scared to experience everything it has to offer. Our lead is Andrew Largeman, Large to his friends, a man riddled by guilt who, because of drugs prescribed by his psychiatrist, had been numb to life for over nine years. Due to the unfortunate death of his mother, he returns to New Jersey, leaving his pills behind in L.A., and starts living for the first time. This is like an awaking for the character and the audience as Braff skilfully introduces you to a world of wonder, friendship and love but always keeps this ground in reality.
Joining him on his journey are Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard. You might have forgotten that there is more to Natalie Portman’s career than starring in a franchise set in a galaxy far, far away. She was an actress described as one to watch and this is a role that re-ignites that interest. As Sam she creates a kooky, off the wall character that instantly endears herself to you, making it easy she why Andrew is so taken by her. This is a role that Portman can excel in, as she has finally finds a script and a character that allows her to express her talent. Peter Sarsgaard is making a name for himself as a talented character actor. As Mark, Andrew’s High School buddy who now digs graves for a living, he creates an everyman who is still grabbing onto the insanity of youth and refusing any resemblance of responsibility. Partying, taking drugs and loving women, the character also goes through a journey of discovery as he finally realises that the things he does can have consequences. Sarsgaard captures this superbly and highlights again that he is an actor to watch.
The movie is all about the talents of Zach Braff however and this is a real showcase. It has been a long time since someone has made such an accomplished debut but with ‘Garden State’, Braff announces to the world that he is a serious talent to be watched. As Andrew he creates a character that is slowly waking up to life and the joys it can bring. After existing in a drug-induced stupor for the last nine years of his life, he finally feels what it is like to be alive and becomes a better person through it. This is a restrained performance from the talented comedic actor that grows as the movie progresses and the drugs wash out of the character’s system. As a director he shows a real visual flare. Every shot is a pallet of colour and style, as he reveals his view of the Garden State to the world. Mixing in fast cuts, slow motion and lingering shots of a place that he clearly loves, Braff shows that he has a real eye for cinema. Finally, as a writer he creates a story and characters that are enthralling and engaging. Plodding along at just the right pace, even thought the story might seem slow and too slight for some, this is a journey of discovery for the three main characters and one that make you look at own life and question if you are living enough.
Garden State is an impressive debut from a true emerging talent. This is a movie that will engage you on many levels and get you thinking for a long time after. With a great script, fantastic performances and a visual style that you can’t help but watch, this is picture that makes Zach Braff a filmmaker that you should be taking notice of.
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Garden State (2004) review written by: Jamie Kelwick
12th October, 2008 
