Review of Garden State (2004) by Andrew R — 04 Dec 2011

If you read my review on 50/50, you can see how much I like films that are a mix of drama and comedy. Garden State though goes down as one of my favorites. Garden State is an independent film led by Scrubs star Zach Braff, who wrote, directed and starred in the film.

The film is about Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) as he comes home to attend his mother's funeral, who passes away in the beginning of the film. Andrew had moved away from home to follow his acting career, but while away had little contact with his life back in New Jersey. Once home Andrew tries to change his life around by taking himself off of the different antidepressant pills that his psychiatrist and father had put him on. While home he also meets a woman named Sam who is played by Natalie Portman. Sam seems like the most unlikely girl for Andrew, but as the film goes on the two leads eventually learn a lot from each other. The film follows Andrew around as he hangs out with friends, takes drugs, receives some interesting gifts, and tries to figure his life out.

The film boosts a powerful soundtrack that was handpicked by director Zach Braff. Many films try to use music to enhance the film, but few films would be able to rival Garden State's use of music. Each song fits in perfectly with the mood of the scene. Braff eventually got the recognition he deserved for this portion of the film as he won a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for a Motion Picture.

The cast in the film does a great job. There is definitely some obvious chemistry between the lead roles played by Zach Braff and Natalie Portman. Their performances help this movie by making the characters seem more believable, making the film easier for viewers to relate to. Ian Holm puts in a strong performance as Andrew's concerned father and Peter Sarsgaard has an equally strong performance as Andrew's best friend who can sometimes act in ways people don't understand.

As I described the film in the beginning of this review as a mix of comedy and drama, I would say the film leans more towards drama. Even so, the film throws in a couple random jokes that generally lighten the mood of the movie so that way you are not feeling depressed the whole time. The film tackles a lot of real life situations that I am sure a lot of the viewers can relate to. From moving out of your house for the first time, to falling in love, to learning about who you are as a person. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone, no matter what your favorite type of movie is.

"I know it hurts. That's life. If nothing else, It's life. It's real, and sometimes it fuckin' hurts, but it's sort of all we have" - Sam to Andrew.