A great debut

Rating: 8/10 (28 November 2004)

Zach Braff's "garden State", in which he writes, directs and stars, is certainly an impressive debut. I must admit I have been anticipating this movie for a little while now, and it definitely lived up to expectations. Yet it didn't exceed them - which is probably understandable for a first effort. It loses it's way a bit towards the end, and the ending itself is a bit of a cop-out - also understandable. Many others have noted that the drama feels a bit forced - also true.
So what exactly was it that made this movie so good? Why is everyone raving about it? Well, here's why.
***MINOR SPOLERS***
1. One morning, Andrew (Braff) receives a call from his estranged father that his mother has died and should return home to New jersey for her funeral. A few seconds later, we hear the first few chords of Coldplay's "Don't Panic". Later on, a drug scene is perfectly complemented by Zero 7's "In the waiting line", while Nick Drake calmly croons over another scene on a motorbike through the leafy suburbs.
Score 1: Perfect use of music.
2. Braff plays Andrew, the struggling Hollywood actor who has been away from home for 9 years. He has been on an assortment of anti-depressants since he was 10 years old, which have been prescribed for him by his psychologist father (Ian Holm). Upon receiving the call, he returns home to New Jersey - minus his assortment of prescription drugs. As you would expect, he gradually becomes less numb, and by the end of the movie he is far more openly emotional. Braff's performance reflects this perfectly.
Natalie Portman turns out a brilliant performance as Sam, a quirky, compulsive liar who befriends Andrew on his journey of self-discovery. This is the role you always knew she had in her. Braff and Portman have great on-screen chemistry, turning out more than a few moments of great wit, emotion, and joy. Elsewhere, Holm, Peter Saarsgard (Andrew's childhood friend, Mark) and others turn out some great supporting roles.
Score 2: Great cast, fantastic performances.
3. Braff does show everyone that he is capable of both drama and very clever comedy. Some of the more dramatic moments fall a bit flat, especially later on, but they are mostly saved by the great acting and some fantastic camera work. But the best moments are when Braff uses his wonderful gift for precisely the right amount and style of comedy. Many of the moments feel so real and perfect, you'll be on the verge of tears in one moment, and laughing the next.
Score 3: Great script, screenplay, and cinematography.
So all the ingredients are there for a great movie. And that's exactly what Garden State is. It's not amazing, just "great". And for a debut movie, that certainly counts for something. Zach Braff has certainly showed off his talent for the art of film-making, and I look forward to his work in the future. As for this movie, if it doesn't make you smile, laugh and/or cry a few times, then maybe you need therapy too.
8/10