Garden State (2004)

Alright, here's how it is. Main review takes up a huge chunk of the blog. However, if you're looking for a quick synopsis of what I think, the bottom paragraph and mark out of 5 should suffice. Enjoy the review, or better yet: go see the film and enjoy that!

I was honestly expecting this review to be one of Se7en. I’ve watched it 3 times now and am still having trouble, so I’ve decided to postpone that one and work on a few others.

Garden State is an unconventional Romantic/Comedy/Drama that explores the life of Andrew ‘Large’ Largeman (Zach Braff), a depressed, pill popping one time actor on his return home following his mothers death where he finds old friends, new love and emotion he could barely conceive.

Generally, 90% of comedies all match the same studio requirements (similar to how 99% of statistics are made up on the spot) but Garden State breaks new ground. It’s a surreal, yet strangely realistic reminder of how sometimes feeling pain is better than feeling nothing. The surrealism in itself should condemn the film to production Hell, what with drugs, a knight, an argument in Klingon and a leg humping dog. But Braffs script (yep, he wrote and directed it as well) offers such a refreshingly honest view of the awkwardness of relationship that in the end, the entirety of the film feels so very normal. And it’s not just the characters who feel awkward around each other.

The first time Large and Sam (Natalie Portman) meet, there is generally much humour in the scene. But then as some tension grows between the characters, it also grows within the audience. Braffs direction and ability to handle these moments work as an incredibly original convention throughout the film, and the feeling does happen repeatedly, never more so when Large reveals a pivotal secret within his life, one that he’s held close for most of his life. Without ruining the film, I can’t quite stress the importance that the secret is believable. It’s nothing like Lost nowadays when secrets are usually remarkably absurd. Fear not the secrets.

One of the more terrific points about the film is the juxtaposition between the two leads. Whereas Large’s family and home is cold and distant, Sam’s are warm and close. Whereas Large is frequently trying to distance himself from his father and the sad bluntness that is all of which remains of what once may have been a relationship Sam has no trouble talking to her mother and embracing the joyous cosiness that she has grown up with.

The relationship between Large and Sam is a subtle one. It creeps up on you whilst you’re captivated by the reactions of different characters to different circumstances. It’s not until a specific point in the film that you’re likely to think “Oh, they’re getting/have gotten a lot closer!” and even then you’ll be unsure as to what should be expected next. Just as subtle are Larges emotions. Once again, it really is a case of them creeping up on you as the film progresses.

Finally, the film hits a really fantastic final scene. Natalie Portman gets to really show off her flair for acting at the end and is really fucking brilliant at it. One particular clever thing put into the end is the question that has been plaguing the film from the beginning. Large blatantly asks it twice, but thankfully we’re never answered, because like in Garden State realism is sometimes surreal, but regardless, not all questions are answered either.

If you’re looking for an example of JD for two hours, this might not be the best thing, but if you want a clever, compelling and very funny Rom-Com, then this is probably the best you’ll see around.

5/5