DREAMY LYRIC IMAGES - Beautifully used by Storyteller to give us glimpse inside AWAKENING Character

Rating: 10/10 (14 April 2006)

I love the slow, dreamy style of the opening sequence. It immediately draws us into the main character's state of mind.
This film is beautifully and lyrically shot. But it isn't just for style's sake - the unique visuals are essential to the story. It was so cool when I realized that; I couldn't wait to see the movie again!
We see the world through the eyes of a guy who has been over-medicated by his psychiatrist father since he was a kid. The rest of the movie is his awakening from the numbness of a lifetime on anti-depressants. He is just discovering what it is to SEE and FEEL life without the dulling effects of Rx.
It is through this SLOW AWAKENING POV that we experience the world around him. The filmmakers use the unique images and slow lyric pace of the opening sequence to get us inside his POV. Slowly the Rx fog of his medicated existence is peeled away. As the character "awakens" from years of numbness we see the ordinary world through a fresh perspective.
The movie is full of quirky and original characters. I love the off-beat witty humor and unique visuals. So many scenes lingered in my mind - for days after I saw this movie.
Simple moments shine with magic. Scenes are shot in common everyday settings - yet in the hands of the director and cinematographer the ordinary world is beautiful and magical. Shot after shot after shot.
I SO ENJOYED seeing a movie where the director and crew remembered film is a VISUAL MEDIUM. They used every frame beautifully! So many lovely and subtle moments for your eyes to feast on. No talking heads or generic Hollywood sets in this movie. As the studios crank out more and more visually dull formula movies, that just seem to plop the camera down anywhere, I was beginning to think Hollywood had forgotten that film can be an artist's canvas for imagery.
GARDEN STATE reminded me why I feel in love with movies as a child - that moment when the curtains part and the studio fanfare music swells. You get excited about the possibilities.
Garden State starts with fantastic images. It gives you that feeling of anticipation. And you start to worry - will it last beyond the opening sequences?...But then it just keeps getting better and better. I loved the fun, quirky story, unique characters, lines to quote and memorable images.
I loved every frame of this movie. The opening sequence itself is wall-to-wall with poster-worthy frames and images.
BRAVO!!
I am looking forward to watching the careers of the writer/director and the cinematographer. Can't wait for next release.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE VISUALS / SHOTS:
The main character walks past a ROW of SINKS in a public bathroom and the motion activated sensors turn the faucets on one by one.
Guy and girl on motorcycle (with sidecar! - okay just that is unique) waiting at stop sign for SCHOOL KIDS to CROSS THE STREET. Visually, the kids reminded me of a row of ducklings following their mother.
Main character waking up to sound of answering machine in his ALL WHITE ROOM- tucked tightly into his bedsheets. Visually it is a wonderful metaphor for a STRAIGHT JAKCET. Well done!
Waiter's POV of demanding diners in a snobby restaurant and the behind the scenes activities in the restaurant kitchen where all servers are actors with HEADSHOTS.
The love interest brings him to her house - an embarrassing clutter of small-town decor, which has been taken over by the winding HABI-TRAIL of plastic HAMSTER tunnels.
The Girl's adopted brother (and Criminal Justice Student) is DUSTING for FINGER PRINTS on the families dusty TELEVISION...And later, the love interest's mom shows an embarrassing childhood video of her, which they watch on the TV that still shows DUSTED FINGERPRINTS.
The main Character wakes up on the couch at his FRIEND'S HOUSE and sees in the morning light, a guy in KNIGHT'S ARMOR clunking around in the kitchen holding a gallon of milk.
The 3 main characters running around in MAKE-SHIFT TRASHBAG RAIN PONCHOS when unexpectedly caught in downpour.
The ARK BOAT, that the caretaker lives in, down at the bottom of the ABYSS.
MISTY FOG and LIGHT of swimming pool at night.
I could go on and on...