A Definitive Film of My Teenage Years

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2010)

Garden State came out in the summer of 2004 and I remember my excitement of seeing JD in something other than Scrubs. I soon saw the film and to my surprise, I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. I in fact I felt a little down/dirty as the tone and premise of the film caught me off guard. It wasn't until 6 months later when I saw the film on video that I truly fell in love with the film. On the second viewing, what had once seemed depressing was now beautifully melancholy. Additionally, the film is shot wonderfully. The colors in the film help convey emotion. This along with a great soundtrack makes for a very captivating movie experience. Further, I really began to enjoy the characters. Well acted by Ian Holm as a distant parent/psychiatrist and Peter Skarrsgard as towny/graverobber the supporting cast contributes to the dark somber tone of the film. I also must say that Braff and Portman are a wonderful pair in the film. They truly light up the screen in there warmer moments. Finally, what makes this movie great for me is the how genuine the interaction seems between the characters. All of the films characters have unrealistic kwirks, however the dialogue and acting feel very real, that we are really able to identify with these characters. They are seriously flawed and they aren't overly witty. The magic of the film is the authenticity of the characters relationships and how one has to reflect on the past in order to truly grow up and learn to feel.