Garden State Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Andrew Largeman shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation from the pills to see what might happen. A moderately successful TV actor living in Los Angeles, "Large" hasn't been home to the Garden State in nine years. But even with 3,000 miles between them, he's been unable to escape his domineering father Gideon and the silencing effect he's had on his son from afar. Stunned to find himself in his hometown after such a long absence, Large finds old acquaintances around every corner living quite unique lives as gravediggers, fast food knights and the panderers of pyramid schemes. Meanwhile, at home, he does his best to avoid a long-simmering but inevitable confrontation with his father. By a twist of fate, Large meets Sam, a girl who is everything he isn't. A blast of color, hope and quirks, Sam becomes a sidekick who refuses to ride in his sidecar. Her warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is life.
| Zach Braff | Andrew Largeman |
| Kenneth Graymez | Busboy |
| George C. Wolfe | Restaurant Manager |
| Austin Lysy | Waiter |
| Gary Gilbert | Young Hollywood Guy |
| Jill Flint | Obnoxious Girl |
| Ian Holm | Gideon Largeman |
| Peter Sarsgaard | Mark |
| Alex Burns | Dave |
| Jackie Hoffman | Aunt Sylvia Largeman |
| Michael Weston | Kenny |
| Christopher Carley | Gleason Party Drunk |
| Armando Riesco | Jesse |
| Amy Ferguson | Dana |
| Trisha LaFache | Kelly |
| Zach Braff |
7.90 out of 10 (64696 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Top-notch acting and writing; a clever and heart-warming film.
posted on 30 Aug 2009This is one hot film. It popped into IMDb's top 250 virtually overnight at number 187. Nearly one half of the eighteen thousand who voted for it gave it a perfect ten. I'll wager most of them were under 25 years of age. This is a film for the young at heart.Because of its early release, this film earned no Oscar nominations. If the studio were to have their way, however, young Zach Braff would garner every award they could give, as his $2.5 million-budget film has grossed in excess of $25 million so far in relatively limited release, making Zach one of the most bankable actor/writer/directors in 'Hollywood'.In the video "The Making of Garden State", 23-year old Natalie Portman said she enjoyed working on a film with other young people. I can add that I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a film that displayed so much young energy and enthusiasm for life—albeit a bit skewed through Zach Braff's eyes.Zach Braff was heavily influenced by Hal Ashby ("Harold and Maude") and Woody Allen, and he certainly replaces Mr. Allen in the triple-hit category of writer/director/star.We are no stranger to Zach Braff here in the UK, as the show "Scrubs" premiered on cable/satellite channel Sky One on 17 January 2002. It is a very popular show here.Besides the wonderful work of Zach Braff as an actor, and the tremendous support provided by Natalie Portman—who does not enter the film until the 28th minute and manages to steal every scene thereafter!—Peter Sarsgaard (the crossbow killer in Unconditional Love) dreamily underplays Mark, modern-day grave robber, and Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins of Lord of the Rings) plays the role of New Jersey father with tremendous poise, and a wonderful American accent.In Jerry McGuire, Renée Zellweger as loyal secretary Dorothy Boyd says, 'You had me from hello.' I must say that Zach Braff's character Andrew captured my attention from the very first scenes of this film, wherein: a petrol nozzle is still stuck in his car as he arrives at the restaurant where he works in Los Angeles; his airplane is crashing and, whilst other passengers don their oxygen masks, Andrew merely adjusts the air conditioning above him; Andrew is "saluted" by the automatic faucets in the restroom as he walks past; his shirt metaphorically blends with the wallpaper in his mother's bathroom. I was laughing to the point of tears before an actor spoke a single word. Zach had me long before the first 'hello'.This is the story of a boy coming home to New Jersey for his mother's funeral. Andrew Largeman has been living in Los Angeles, working as an actor/waiter because he likes being other people. Via a phone message from his father/psychiatrist (who has kept Andrew on drugs all his life), Andrew is informed that his mother has died—that she in fact drowned in her own tub.Who can miss the Allen-esque humour of the 'medicine cabinet' scene that follows—not just the face split by the mirror, but the immaculately neat rows of medication that line the shelves? Or the scene once he arrives home: a Jewish boy riding a German WWII motorcycle that his grandfather has left him? And while she doesn't speak the exact words from Annie Hall, 'You're what Grammy Hall would call a real Jew'… …after he has met compulsive liar Sam (Natalie Portman) and given her a ride home, she shows him her most prized possession (besides her dead hamster): Sam: This is Tickle (holding up a rag).Andrew: What is tickle? Sam: Tickle's my favourite thing in the whole world. It's all that's left of Nanny, my blanket.Andrew: What happened? Hurricane…? Sam: Shut up! Andrew: It's like a Wailing Wall.Sam: What? Andrew: The Wailing Wall is the most holy place for Jews to go and pray in Israel. It's all that's left of this enormous temple that was destroyed by the Romans.Sam: So you're like really Jewish? You are! Andrew: What? I don't do anything Jewish. I don't go to temple, or anything. I don't know any Jews who go to temple.Like Woody Allen, always explaining away his Jewishness, Zach has his character Andrew fall for a shiksa, a non-Jewish girl.By the way, Natalie Portman was Zach's first pick to play the role of Sam; and she seems to be the perfect shiksa for any Jewish boy, as she was born in Israel.Andrew comes home to find his friends only a little changed; Mark is a gravedigger/grave robber at the Jewish cemetery, Kenny (the guy who once sniffed coke off a urinal) has become a cop, and Jesse is now a millionaire after "the man" bought his patent for silent Velcro."Garden State" is a warm romance, punctuated with outrageous visuals—a leg-humping seeing-eye dog, a masturbating terrier, a graveyard of pets, an armoured friend from Medieval Times Restaurant (He's just a fast-food knight) who's making it with Mark's mother (Jean Smart)… Oh, and if you're a John Ritter fan, you will see that Zach brings John's face back to life every time he deadpans the camera.Let me leave you with the line that I believe best sums up this charming film.When Sam tells Andrew that she has to wear a funny helmet to work because she suffers from epilepsy, he asks, 'What part are we laughing about again?' Sam answers: 'If you can't laugh at yourself, life is going to seem a whole lot longer than you'd like.'
Bangin
posted on 30 Aug 2009A darkly comedic, inspiring film. I was intrigued, amused, confused, and dragged in by the plot and before I knew it, I was reflecting on the familiarity of Andrew's situation and how he can relate to a broad audience of young people. It succeeds in making laughter and confusion, chaos and that warm feeling in your stomach. Inspiration and power follows a night of doing ecstasy. A most excellent soundtrack adds appeal.Watch this film in the dark, at night, when you are tired. One can easily be drawn into the numbness Andrew feels. Sam is the ideal girl and I plan on marrying her someday.Great plot, great cast, great fun, Great Great Great.
Had at least one moment
posted on 28 Aug 2009Plot keywords: dysfunctional family, coming home...well, that's about enough to get my attention when it comes to a movie. Beside the obvious reason for enjoying this let's call it genre, I have noticed that this is one of the very few subjects where almost no compromise is being made on the art, because it doesn't pay, commercially. I read some of the comments on this one, and, although I enjoyed it a lot, I have to say it's not quite all that. First, every generation identifies with some rebellious statement in art, although further in life one might notice that the substance of rebellion is pretty much the same regardless of generation, and second, this one, aside a brilliant moment of "pure originality", is not all that original as a whole. The movie relies on atmosphere, thus the title, but somehow avoids going any deeper.On the upside, there is an enough subtle positive message to have made me smile on occasion. Braf proves much more versatile behind camera than in front. Ian Holm. And Natalie Portman.For whom enjoyed this one, I recommend two titles which I believe have a bit more substance: "Home for the Holidays", with Holly Hunter, and "Beautiful Girls", with Timothy Hutton and coincidently Natalie Portman, which have been made more than a decade ago, but haven't lost their universal validity.
Drama or Comedy?
posted on 24 Aug 2009I believe this is an excellent debut for Zach Braff as a director and writer. Interesting enough that i don't like the drama scence much, Garden State somehow impresses me. Mixing in a deeper meaning to the film and a touch of comedy would have to be a stroke of genius. I'm not quite sure if this is a comedy or a drama at times, however the constant drug scenes suggests its more a drama.I thorughly enjoyed the movie, and would go see it again (Thanks to the Australian Public, its already been moved to limited viewing in the 2nd week...Pathetic) so i will have to wait for the good old DVD to come out.Guthrdav
amazing
posted on 20 Aug 2009i really felt that this movie caught a certain type of emotion. i'm still not sure what it is. the music basically told the story itself, it was beautiful and perfect. and i love zach braff and natalie portman. this movie just made a lot of sense. go see it! (they won't let me post this if it isn't 10 lines long so here's 10 lines of blah) blah blah blah blah blah blah
Garden State best movie of the year.
posted on 20 Aug 2009Garden State is an intimate commentary on life that will reach deep into your emotions. The film is honest and real, answering questions we all ponder. Zach Braff places amid a bizarre world the most universal of themes. With stunning performances, including surprising strength from Natalie Portman, Garden State is the best movie this year.First appearances can be deceiving as the movie takes some time to gather momentum. Yet in full force you can't help but be grabbed by the unconventional and artistic style of film-making. Many movie-going experiences will leave you feeling better about yourself, but none so powerful as Garden State.
Fantastic Movie
posted on 14 Aug 2009You ever have one of those "wow" moments after a movie? You know, the final scene darkens, the credits roll, and you just sit there thinking. It's like a good song or a good book: you just feel satisfied when it's over. Garden State gives you one of those moments.One of the best things about it is that it's nothing like any movie you'll ever see. It's not a movie where you can coherently answer the question, "What's it about?" because the plot doesn't follow the average story line. I guess you could say that Garden State is about people. It's a love story of the highest sort. Not only between a man and a woman, but between a man and himself. It's the story of the most significant journey in a man's life--the journey home.What really makes this movie stand apart from others is the writing. Zach Braff, who also directed and starred in the film, brilliantly crafted a screenplay that both connects you with the characters and allows you to examine your own life in their context. However, it wasn't brooding or dark in the least. In fact, you often laugh despite yourself throughout.This is due only in part to the writing, as the acting is also superb. Braff really develops his character (Andrew) as the movie progresses. Natalie Portman shines as the quirky, lovable Samantha who absolutely transforms Andrew's life. All of the other characters are relatively minor in comparison, but they're all well played and accent the depth of Braff's character.The soundtrack also gets an honorable mention. Featuring Colin Hay, Nick Drake, Iron & Wine, Simon & Garfunkel, and the Shins (among others), the soundtrack is more than just background music. It adds to the mood and meaning of the movie. If my life had a soundtrack, and I wish it did, I'd want it to be this one.A number of characters in Garden State talk about doing something unique, something like nobody else has ever done. Zach Braff has in creating this movie.Best quote: "Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people who miss the same imaginary place."
Garden State is honest, unique, very funny, beautifully shot
posted on 12 Aug 2009I first heard about Garden State when I saw the trailer in the theater. If you haven't seen it, the teaser for the film is amazing, creating almost as much buzz as the film itself.I went to see Garden State at a special screening in Boston, Massachusetts. Zach Braff spoke and answered questions after for more than an hour. He was witty and funny and very honest about his film.The film shows Andrew Largeman's (Zach Braff) journey away from a life of numbness. It was shot beautifully, the acting is outstanding, and the soundtrack is amazing. Garden State gave me the opportunity to laugh about things that make some days hard to get through. I recommend it to anyone that has the opportunity.
Garden State:Let go..Jump in..
posted on 06 Aug 2009What a wonderfully haunting film. Zach Braff's character zombie shuffles through doorways,sun bleached rooms,the clatter of noise around him...until like all of us at one time ..are called back home into old battle with our name on it. His brilliant use of soft mist turned to light drizzle turned to downpour is one wonderful metaphor. I am a 50 year old who watched this film with my twenty something daughter.("Large" talks of his mother's love in wiping his nose on her sleeve..you totally get this when you have a child you love) Both of us were knocked out by scenes and music that shook the core of us although for different reasons our ages understand. The last minutes of Garden State will make you cry from pure joy.Listen to the music and watch all those symbols in the final downpour. Let go..jump into this film.
This is Zach Braff at his Zach Braffiest.
posted on 04 Aug 2009While I worship him on Scrubs for the comedy God that he is and the perfection with which he delivers his lines as J.D., none of this comes through in Garden State. Even as the main character, Braff is an untapped source in this film because his comedic skills aren't used in the right way or at all--and comedy is the only thing that could save it from being fundamentally flawed movie. I didn't like it at all for the reason that it is one of those films that are desperately quirky. You feel just how hard it tries in every scene. It's almost depressing. Garden State presupposes that every person in the world is a misfit and treats all characters accordingly. It projects hopelessness of the average person, and it does it without humour or cleverness.So, Zach Braff is Andrew Largeman--an out-of-touch actor with emo tendencies who's on meds. He returns to his family home in New Jersey (for his mother's funeral) after a decade of absence spent in Los Angeles. This self-journey in the Garden State is meant, in the film, to get Andrew back in touch with reality. Of course, he conveniently finds a girl too--a quirky girl that can save him from his sedated mental state and get him back on track. Wow, such originality. This girl is none other than the prissy, talentless Natalie Portman. It angers me that Garden State goes to such lengths to tell you that a relationship between two misfits is "OK" and just what is needed. We already knew that. There was never a problem or conflict to begin with. It is absolutely unnecessary to build a story on a plot like that.From the choice of wallpaper, dialogue, puzzling detours and choice of music, Garden State tries to convince the viewer that it is a quirky, original film. In fact, it almost pounds it in your head toward the end. This is cool and all, but it needs much more humour to function. Unlike smart dramas of the same nature and purpose as Garden State, like Ghost World, it simply is not funny. I cannot remember laughing once. I barely smiled as it tediously played on with its "sensitive" music (not that I don't love The Postal Service).
Real Life Script
posted on 04 Aug 2009The screenplay to this movie was so real I felt like someone had been listening in on my life. While the plot and cinematography was pleasantly artsy and out-there, all the dialog was breathtaking real and down to Earth. Zach Braff and Natalie Portman had good chemistry and their scenes' language was only topped by their amazing eye-contact. With a fabulous soundtrack that is my favorite CD of the year, this movie receives a 10. Well worth watching. If you liked Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, you should see Garden State, and if you liked Garden State, definitely watch Eternal Sunshine. I'd heard mixed reviews about Garden State and wasn't sure I wanted to see it but I was so connected immediately into the movie by the interesting imagery, and very intriguing beginning. At one point I actually started crying, even though the movie isn't very sad, just because I felt like a movie had finally captured how most people feel and can never express.
Thought-provoking
posted on 02 Aug 2009Even as a not-so-big fan of indie films, I thought this was one of the best movies I've ever seen. While Braff was already my favorite actor and Portman my favorite actress before seeing this film, they further cemented their standings as such with this film. The overriding theme of the movie (breaking away from your past and taking a chance on the future) is what I've been fighting in my own life for the last year or so, and it was so harrowing to see my entire thought process played out on screen. This movie really made me dig deep into my subconscious and consider what really matters to me in my life. Out of four stars, I give it five.
Adored it...
posted on 31 Jul 2009I just came back from seeing Garden State and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful,.............................................realistic, sweet movies that I have seen in a long time................Braff and Portman are fantastic in their roles.........................Not to mention that the soundtrack is fabulous......................... It is a movie with something for everyone, dabbing in genres such as... comedy, drama and romance..............................................Everyone can relate to this............................................ movie in some way and that is what really makes it wonderful........... I recommend this to everyone. 10/10....................................
This is a movie that stays with you even after it's over.
posted on 31 Jul 2009This is one of those movies that makes a profound impact in people's lives, but not everyone's. I have met plenty of people who walked away from this movie with nothing. I believe this is because they do not really put their heart into it. People who cannot empathize with the main character will probably walk away seeing it as boring, or pointless. Watching his journey through the movie is the whole point behind it. Andrew's journey is the heart of the story and of the message. This movie is pegged as a comedy, but it is a far cry from slapstick. I walked away with a new point of view on my life and on how to live. The statement it makes is strong and heartfelt. In the midst of the movies that are all about glitz and glamour, this one digs deep to something below all of that. Something that applies to all of us-- how to feel. A lot of the time, we forget.
Awful, terrible, earnest
posted on 29 Jul 2009I saw Garden State at the Bridge last night. Though it steals an entire playbook from Wes Anderson, the first hour is quite watchable and has some genuinely funny scenes. As Zach Braff emerges from a lifelong Prozac- and Zoloft-induced haze, he is surrounded by the same quirky characters and nodding displays of Americana that have delighted knowing hipster kids for more than a decade now.But Braff's shaking off the drugs turns out to be a metaphor for him shaking off all that hipster irony, for trying to figure out what is really important in life. Unfortunately, this is also where I shook off any interest in the film. As it entered its second, 'earnest' half, I experienced so many "People don't talk that way"-moments that I wished Braff would get back on the drugs. You can only pity poor Natalie "I like sand" Portman, who gets to add some real gems to her portfolio: "I know it hurts. But it's life, and it's real. And sometimes it f***ing hurts, but it's life, and it's pretty much all we've got."However, my favorite had to be Braff's: Braff: Have fun searching the infinite abyss. Boat guy: You too. The accompanying symbolism is just as heavy-handed as the dialog. For example, the film goes way out of it's way to let you know that this infinite abyss is scheduled to be paved over for a shopping mall. See, it's like, he's digging down through the facade of modern suburban life to get at what's really real, you know? That's deep, man. I know 4 out of 5 twenty-something disaffectoids recommend Garden State to moviegoers tying to wean themselves off irony. But please, this is not The Graduate for a new generation. It's not even as good as Lost in Translation (to which it is inexplicably compared). I'll give it an 'E' for effort, but Garden State simply underscores the fact that the post-irony school is still trying to figure out how to infuse the new earnestness with intelligence and subtlety.
How to make two hours of your life disappear
posted on 29 Jul 2009Garden State is a good example of the pseudo-intelligent scripting that's been haunting cinema more and more lately. It reminded me of 'Closer' and 'The Royal Tenenbaums"... movies made by modern thinkers of modern thought: You don't actually need an idea to make a movie.As long as you can trick the audience in believing they're watching something deep and real, they will buy your story. If nothing happens, nothing has to make sense, so let's not take any chances. Put in some sweet pop music, then add some more and the kids will think every scene is gold. This is what I like to call nouveau-sub-pop; regular thrash with a flavor of Meaning.In Garden State, the meaning is something like: it's OK to be Different. The 14 year old kids love it. Even 40-year old kids will eat it and say thanks, forgiving it the pretentiousness, the pointless moments, the numb characters and all of that feel-good rubbish.An ice-skating alligator? Bless the rebels who made this movie!
Another point of view
posted on 29 Jul 2009I do not agree with the comment that "movies like this are rare". When I was in the theater I had the impression of "I've seen it before - and it disgusts me". There are plenty of American movie clichés in Garden State. For instance, there is the character played by Natalie ; a pretty girl who in the beginning takes initiative to get closer to a little nerdy guy, who is a stranger to her, and who seemingly is not attracted to her (something which from a simply biological point of view is rather implausible). In addition, there are a lot of, in my point of view, corny, pretentious, predictable and not-at-all-funny jokes and supposed-to-be-romantic moments. Even the camera movements seemed pretentious to me at times. Furthermore, the story just seemed to go nowhere. I was just so disgusted that I couldn't finish it but had to leave the theater in advance. Unfortunately.
Surprised and pleased at every moment
posted on 23 Jul 2009Garden State is a sweet film, a romance, a comedy, a drama, a film that defies categorization because it always keeps surprising you, always keeps you guessing. When the film begins, you really have no idea of the wild places it will take you. The chemistry between Zach Braff (who I loved from Scrubs) and Natalie Portman is fun to watch. Natalie is charismatic, bubbling with energy, definitely a young star. Their budding relationship in the film is treated quite realistically, as more and more revelations about their pasts pop up as the film progresses. I had difficultly believing the end of the film, when his feelings for her are so strong that he gets off his plane to stay with her, but in a way I wanted to believe it. There are two aspects to this film that elevate it from being a fairly good romantic comedy to being one of the best movies of the year, in my opinion. First of all, the soundtrack. Many of these songs were new to me when the movie came out, but hearing any one of them now conjures up all of the emotions I felt while I was watching it. Secondly, the creative ways they use the camera. Especially in the first part of the film, the interesting and surprising camera angles take you into a bit of a fairy tale world. Besides the ending at the airport, the one scene that kind of annoyed me was when they went to the hotel and the bellhop character was peeping on some guests and you see a gratuitous, almost X-rated sex scene. Why is that in there? It seemed out of place and annoyed me but not so much as to ruin the film.
Amazing movie
posted on 17 Jul 2009This movie really touched me. From Andrew's feelings of numbness to finally letting go of everything, this movie is amazing. Killer soundtrack. I think Zach Braff is the next Christopher Nolan/M. Night Shymalan....basically someone who can show up at a production company and leave with a check to do whatever he wants. I recommend this movie to anyone...but make sure you try to see the parts where a scene represents a feeling or however you want to look at it. Really lets you into the minds of the characters. After seeing the movie, I was tempted to research the effects of the medication Andrew was on, and actually they hit it right on the head. The lithium makes you numb to the world, hence his empty apartment with nothing on the walls, white sheets...and when he is on the plane and its wrecking and he just turns on the AC. Numb to the world. The ending of this movie is just amazing...I literally cannot say enough good things about this movie. Just a total gut wrencher that demands being watched. Method Man is funny...always like him for comic relief
beautifully shot, funny and serious, but a bit corny and trite when it's trying to be deep...
posted on 30 Aug 2009I saw this at the "drive-in" preview in Rockefeller Center on June 8th.Natalie Portman and Ian Holm give great performances.It's a beautifully shot movie, funny and serious, but a bit corny and trite when it's trying to be deep...The framing of certain scenes make for some stunning shots, and you can see most of those shots in the teaser and trailer. (Note the MRI graffiti.)Yes, there's a lot of silent humor similar to jokes from "Scrubs", and an attempt at drama when the main character "awakens" over a long weekend. If places as weird as those shown in the movie actually exist in New Jersey, then I've never actually been to the place! A bit corny at times, but still worth the wait...