Braff looks like the real thing

Rating: 9/10 (3 January 2005)

After watching Garden State, I feel privileged to be one of the earlier riders on the Zach Braff bandwagon. Make that the Zach Braff sidecar.
This little gem thoroughly impressed meespecially for a directorial debut. That Braff was also the star of the film makes his work even more commendable. I definitely look forward to seeing future projects by Braff.
Crew members compared Garden State's feel to a Hal Ashby film. I would agree (from what limited knowledge I have of Ashby's work) and add that he seems to have a little Lasse Hallstrom, Wes Anderson and Jean-Pierre Jeunet in him as well. Of course we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. Obviously, Braff will have to prove himself on more than one film and will have to make the transition from indy shoestring-budget promise to major production brilliance like the aforementioned trio did before he can be mentioned in the same breath with such masters.
Braff is certainly off to a flying start, though. The semi-autobiographical film has a gentle, lilting feel to itsort of like Natalie Portman's contagious, lopsided smile. Somewhat dark, and yet upbeat, the film is pleasant to look at and listen to and leaves the viewer strangely fulfilled. From the acting to the unique sets to the New Jersey countryside to the interesting wide-angle shots, the film has Braff's signature clearly inscribed on it. It is more than enough to make a film fan salivate over the work Braff may produce in the future.
For now, his canon consists of one filman extremely well-make film. Braff teams with Portman to form a memorable couple. Portman is cuddly, spunky and full of vitalityin stark contrast to Braff's numb character during the movie's early stages. Peter Sarsgaard turns in good work as Braff's grave-digging high school buddy. The rest of the cast is very solid and gives the film an almost surrealistic feel to it. Almost in a daze until near the end, Andrew Largemen (Braff) sits stoically through some totally bizarre scenes until Portman's quirky warmth gradually penetrates his hardened outer shell.
I would say that if one likes Anderson's work (i.e., Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums), Jeunet's (Amelie) or Hallstrom's (Gilbert Grape, Chocolat, etc.), one quite likely would be charmed and warmed by Garden State. Whatever Braff's future holds, he has already done what many directors never do: produce an original and memorable film.