Garden State (2004)
Anyone who has seen the sitcom Scrubs will instantly recognise the face of Zach Braff in this comedy/drama. Gone, however, is the goofball doctor and in his place is a subtle, troubled and lonely young man.
Garden State follows Andrew Largeman (Braff) as he returns to his hometown after a nine year absence. He doesn't make the journey out of any desire to see old friends or catch up with family, he makes it because his mother has just died and the funeral is imminent. It is obvious that his homecoming will be a strained and painful affair not only because of his bereavement, but also because of the strained relationship he has with his father Gideon (Ian Holm).
We learn early on that Gideon was Andrew's self-appointed psychiatrist and has had him on medication, including lithium, from the age of nine. It is not made clear why this happened but it is obvious that the fifteen years of dependence on pharmaceuticals has left our protagonist feeling numb and detached.
At his mother's funeral, Andrew meets up with an old school buddy Mark (Peter Skarsgaard) who invites him to a party that night. As the evening progresses and all the partygoers experience the thrills and chills of the various drugs they are taking, Largeman is just left on the outside, unable to really experience anything. The day after we learn that he has left all his medication back in LA in an effort to release himself from all that has been repressing him.
A chance meeting with young Samantha (Natalie Portman) is the start of the most significant relationship in Largeman's life. She is quirky but interesting, goofy but attractive. Her intriguingly offbeat character is disarming to Largeman and as the drug-induced mists clear in his mind, he is able to open up to his new friend. This is reflected by the fact that as the movie progresses, the different plot threads all start to join up and the big picture reveals itself so that we experience the final understanding of our main character just as he does.
Despite the somewhat smaltzy ending (possible studio interference?) this is a fantastic movie. The classic throwaway scene where Andrew's aunt makes him try on a shirt that blends in with the wallpaper is brilliant. The cast is an amazing collection of talent taking into account the size of the movie (it's not exactly box office dynamite) and considering this is Zach Braff's first writing and directing credit he shows great maturity and a fantastic eye for direction and telling a story. It's exciting to wonder what might come next from him.
I should also mention that this film has a kick-ass soundtrack. It has a load of classic tracks on and some great stuff from The Shins (who I'd never heard of).
If you are looking for a movie to guffaw to, Garden State is not it. If a subtle portrayal of a man's emotional awakening that brings with it equal amounts of laughter and tears is more your cup of tea, you will love this. It's a little off-the-wall at times but stick with it and you'll be rewarded.
Overall: 8/10
This is a fantastic film.. Really very good. Like “The Station Agent” nothing really happens.
But these are not films where things happen, they are about people, the way that people relate to each other and how these relationships grow.
The scene of the wallpapery shirt is barely 3 seconds, and no mention is made of it in the script, no one comments… there is simply no need. It reminds you of every family visit that you ever do out of duty: Braff’s face tells everything.
The relationship between the kookie Portman and Braff is not at all cutesy and is handled well.
I really liked this film!
Watch “The Station Agent”.
April 7th, 2006 at 7:48 am