My Garden State review Feb24 '05

Note: If you have yet to see the movie, beware... Some details might be spoiled for you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you...

I saw Garden State last night, after it finally arrived from Netflix. I was anticipating it greatly, based on reviews from people I know, who all said it was too good to be missed.

The good

And it was good. It was nice, short, sweet, memorable, and touching. It was a good story.

Movies, in general, have the ability to tell far more than just a story. With powerful special effects, and technology – movies have become much more than just acting.

However, it is refreshing to watch a movie that is purely about the acting.

Garden State is like that.

With nothing more impressive to witness, other than the whimsical behaviours of each character, this movie forms it’s niche around subtle, emotional feelings – and brief hints of joy.

We find ourselves somewhere in the movie – maybe not directly as one the characters, but indirectly, as if we were watching them up close, in person, and a friend to all involved.

Names aren’t important

Strangely, after viewing the movie, I could not (for the life of me) remember any of the names of the characters. I’m talking about their movie names, not their real names.

At first, I thought this was a bad thing. I thought to myself:

It must be bad character representation, if I can not remember their names, in the movie.

After more thinking, I realized it’s a good thing. Names aren’t important.

SOUND not important?

In fact, the whole movie probably could have been watched with no sound at all.

Just by watching the expressions and body language of each character, I am sure the story still would have been clear.

That means somebody did something right.

Zach and Natalie

At first, I thought a romance between Zach Braff and Natalie Portman would look silly. I always thought of Zach Braff as a more flimsy, one–line character – and Natalie Portman as a much more serious and conservative character.

In the movie, it turns out Zach was the more conservative, and Natalie the more out–going.

And their relationship was quirky, but interesting.

You won’t see any academy awards for either character, but their performace earns much respect from many, including myself.

And while Zach was the in the leading role, he also directed, which certainly adds more depth to his character.

Finishing touches

As Garden State winded down to an end, I really believed that I knew the ending. I had it set in my head that his plane would crash on the way home to Los Angeles. I was so sure.

I was very wrong, and very pleased at the alternate ending. Very touched.

Categories: Movies

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