Garden State didn't change my life
Don't get me wrong, it's very well done. I have to give Zach Braff his props for writing, directing and starring in a brilliant film debut. I found the characters so natural, so grounded in reality, even when their surroundings ventured into surreal (but not wholly unbelievable) territory. To me, that's the mark of a great filmmaker--the ability to make characters that the audience can totally relate to and identify with, put them in situations where they are tested and never lose the audience or plot. On Scrubs, even though there's more comedy involved, I've always found Braff's approach very down to earth and likeable. Natalie Portman, charming as ever, has had years to hone her own talent, and despite her innate beauty and her involvment the Prequels, she's maintained a level of credibility as an top-quality actress. It was refreshing to see them in a new element, playing far enough off-type that it wasn't always clear where things were going.
Watching it on DVD, I also checked out the behind-the-scenes footage and interviews and I was equally impressed. One thing that I really liked about the film was it's cinematography, and it was good to discover that Braff, an amateur photographer, was the driving force behind that. With this project, he certainly appeared to know what he wanted and how to bring his own sensibilities to the production. I think Braff is already on his way up, even aside from his recurring television role. I just hope he doesn't squander it by staying there too long. Sooner or later, he's going to have to make the Clooney transition.
Ultimately, I wasn't disappointed by the film itself, but by the reaction I didn't have to it. I'd read so much about this film that maybe I was expecting too much. Strangely, like Andrew Largeman, I wanted to feel something, but couldn't. Instead, I was reminded of another film that had more of an impact on me, Good Will Hunting. There were some of the same elements at play: boy is in turmoil, boy squanders talent, boy meets unlikely girl, boy struggles with past, boy gets nudge from friend, boy leaves girl, boy has a good cry, boy stays with girl. Maybe not in the same exact order, but they're all there in one way or another.
I remember watching that film and just being blown away. How did someone just reach into my head and pull out everything I was feeling at that time in my life? Everybody goes through those sort of challenges--it's part of life--but eventually you get past them. For me, that was one of those films that just makes you want to get motivated, to do something with your life.
Maybe Garden State will be that for others. I could certainly see the message on the screen, but I think it just didn't have the same appeal because I'm in a different place in my life. In short, my life has already changed. I'm no longer trying to sort things out, finding myself, figuring out what I want to do and all that business. And you know, I didn't even realize that until I watched this film.
