I saw this trailer in front of Eternal Sunshine, and its far and away the best trailer I've seen in quite a long time. Who knows if the movie will be good, since trailers are indeed tools of the devil (and like so many evils, wonderful in and of themselves). But it made me very excited.
It's not online yet, but I'm sure that when it is, this thread will have already disappeared, and someone else will start one about it and Mac or Themodernage will redirect them to this one.
Isn't this the one that Zach Braff (Scrubs) wrote and directed? If anything, I want to see it just to see what he can do. He plays such an asshole on Scrubs, and he makes him likable, which is a great accomplishment. So here's hoping this kid's got talent. I heard this film was the talk of Sundance, too. Or something.
yeah, i saw the trailer at spotless mind too, it looks great
Until the trailer is available...
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Release Date: July 30th, 2004 (limited release)
Cast: Zach Braff (Andrew Largeman), Natalie Portman (Samantha), Ian Holm (Gideon Largeman), Method Man, Peter Sarsgaard (Mark), Jean Smart, Geoffrey Arend (Karl Benson), Alex Burns (Dave), Aunjanue Ellis, Ato Essandoh (Titembay), Jayne Houdyshell (Mrs. Lubin), Rob Liebman, Jim Parsons (Tim), Armando Riesco (Jesse)
Director: Zach Braff (directorial debut of the star of TV's "Scrubs")
Screenwriter: Zach Braff (feature debut)
Premise: When Andrew Largeman (Braff) returns to his hometown in New Jersey for the first time in 10 years to attend his mother's funeral, he is reconnected with the world he left behind, and meets a girl, Samantha (Portman), who may change his life forever. Having recently stopped taking the powerful antidepressants he had been prescribed for years, Largeman's journey of self-discovery prompted by his return causes him to have a more healthy rediscovery of himself, which includes confronting his psychologist father (Holm) and helping Samantha through her own psychological issues.
natalie portman's so hot
she used to goto harvard which is like 10 minutes from my house and would from time to time stop by the theater that I work at. She likes tall guys and audrey tautou films, I can tell you that much.
is garden state that huge film that swept sundance?
Quote from: pete
is garden state that huge film that swept sundance?
the trailer said it was an official selection
Nothing to do with this, I presume...?
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...wouldn't be the first time the indie film world had embraced Moody... But it looks like nothing to do with each other.
I saw the trailor for this at Eternal Sunshine as well and boy does it look good. I was actually rather disappointed with the trailors for Eternal Sunshine; the only ones that looked interested were this and Door in the Floor (another Focus Feature, too). Anyhow, I'm quite interested in this one.
From what I read on this thread it sounds like a great movie
I actually saw this movie at the Ebert & Roeper film festival. I thought it was about as pretentious, preachy and dumb as a movie can be. There wasn't a shread of authenticity or laughable humor throughout the whole movie. E&R both liked it, although they had some problems with it. Most of the crowd I saw it with shared my feelings about the movie. Good trailer though. :wink:
MY ADVICE: Do not spend your money on it.
I saw the preview last night and remember whispering to my girlfriend that I thought it was one of my favorite trailers.
It really is a good trailer, too bad it's for such a bad movie. It's not at all what it looks like.
Quote from: QuoyleIt's not at all what it looks like.
no way.. i for one am FLABBERGASTED. :yabbse-shocked:
Let me put it to you this way, notice that in the trailer there was hardly any dialouge (if any). There's a good reason for that.
i was amazed by the trailer, too.
i liked the shot where his shirt blended in with the wallpaper.
and am i dreaming, or was there a half naked NP swimming?
on a serious note, what was so bad about it?
I just thought the script and dialouge was very pretentious and preachy. The Graff character just runs into one colorful/quirky character after the other. I swear there's probably not a single normal person throughout the whole movie. The central message, I suppose, is that love is the most important thing in life. But they really s-p-e-l-l that out to the audience too much. I thought the opening sequence of the film was kinda brilliant, but the rest is just dull and bad. I think everyone will be kinda surprised once they actually see the film.
Quote from: godardianNothing to do with this, I presume...?
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...wouldn't be the first time the indie film world had embraced Moody... But it looks like nothing to do with each other.
nope. completely original script by braff. its his omage to jersey where he grew up and such things. saw the trailer at
Eternal Sunshine. i remember seeing
The Professional when i was 11 or so and thinking she was the coolest, plus we were the same age. i have followed her career ever since. even traveled to NYC on my 17th birthday to see her in
Anne Frank. i was in the second row like 10 feet from her at one point. one of the coolest experiences ive had. anyway the trailer makes the film look kind of crazy. i cant wait. orginally it was titled
Large's Ark. the following is from one of natalies sites
Americas Queen. part 2 hasnt been released yet.
Garden State: Zach Braff (Director/Writer/Star)
Part 1 of 2
[2004]
If there is one movie that Natalie fans have been really waiting for, it has to be "Garden State". A new movie written, directed and staring Zach Braff. Best know for his role as JD on NBC's "Scrubs". In "Garden State" Zach plays Andrew Largeman a 28 year old who is returns home to New Jersey after being estranged from his family for 10 years for his mother's funeral. While home he falls in love with Sam (Natalie Portman) a quirky young woman who helps him to awaken from the mental coma in which he's spent much of his life.
AQ:
First off let us say thank you for taking time out of lets us talk with us about "Garden State". I'll star with the most asked question we have been getting. When can we see this movie?
Zach Braff (ZB)
We are being released by Fox Searchlight domestically and Miramax internationally and the release date will probably be either
7/30/04 or 8/6/04 in NYC and LA and will expand from there.
AQ:
It's rating?
ZB:
It will be rated R
AQ:
How did you come up with the idea for this movie?
ZB:
I always collected stories from growing up in suburban New Jersey.
In 'Garden State' I wove all those stories together into one movie.
AG:
Any word yet on when we may see a trailer released?
ZB
A teaser will come first, look for that possibly on the movie "Eternal
Sunshine of a Spotless Mind"
AQ:
How did Natalie get cast in this movie?
ZB:
She's one of my favorite young actresses. I never imagined she'd say
yes. We always said to each other that we were looking for someone
"like" Natalie.
AQ:
What can you tell me about her role in "Garden State"?
ZB:
Natalie plays a young eccentric girl with whom the main character
(myself) falls in love with over the course of the four days he is home
for his mothers funeral. Fans of Natalie will be blown away by her performance. It's unlike anything she has ever done before. It's as if she channeling Diane Keaton in "Annie Hall".
AQ:
If this movie becomes a big hit and you are given chances to do more movies, will you leave Scrubs?
ZB:
No. I love Scrubs. I'll do that for half the year and other projects
for the other half.
AQ:
Can you give us a tease of what's coming up for Scrubs?
ZB:
Looking for a BIG ending to the third season.
AQ:
Any hope that of us fans will get to see Scrubs released on DVD?
ZB:
Scrubs will be released on DVD very soon.
AQ:
Any plans on what will be on the "Garden State" DVD?
ZB:
You can expect, deleted scenes, commentary from Nat, outtakes, alternate endings, behind the scenes footage.
AQ:
Why did the name get changed from "Large's Ark" to "Garden State"?
ZB:
People got confused by hearing the title "Large's Ark" and couldn't remember it. We wanted something that was really easy to remember and catchy. Since the film is about New Jersey (The Garden State) and it's about someone exploring their state of mind, we settled on Garden State.
AQ:
What does "Large's Ark" mean?
ZB:
My character's name is Andrew Largeman, but everyone calls him Large. "Large's Ark" had the double meaning of being about the "arc" of his character throughout the film and a literal "ark"/boat they end up in at the end of the movie. Ultimately, the title was too hard to explain. Try saying it to someone and you'll see. No one has any idea what you said. So we changed it to Garden State since it all take place in New Jersey and there's some apropos metaphors in it as well.
AQ:
When should we see the official website?
ZB:
We are about to begin our web presence. The site will be at "gardenstatethemovie.com" soon. I'll keep you posted on that.
AQ:
What is next for you? You writing or directing anything else?
ZB:
Things in development, but nothing to announce yet.
AQ:
Your now credited as a screenwriter. Is there any screenwriters that you're a big fan of?
ZB:
My current favorite in Sophia Coppola.
AQ:
What about directors?
ZB:
I would have to say, Wes Anderson, and again Sophia Coppola.
AQ:
Thank you again for giving us this time. Anything you like to add?
ZB:
Please do what ever you can to get Natalie fans excited about this
project. We feel it is Natalie's best performance ever!
Natalie Portman
what more can I say? Thank you Scrubs guy. I will be seeing this.
Pete, did you actually ever get to talk to her? Is she pleasant? As hot in person?
I just saw the trailer for this on coming attractions. It looks very good. I love the look of it. I'm not too familiar with the actor/writer/director/scrubs dude, but anything with Ian Holm gets me excited. Oh and Natalie Portman rocks my sausage off. I'll probably wait till more people see it before deciding if I want to see it myself in the theater. Otherwise I'll just wait for the video. It reminded me alot of the trailer to moonlight mile, which I kinda like but liked the trailer more.
Quote from: SoNowThenNatalie Portman
what more can I say? Thank you Scrubs guy. I will be seeing this.
Pete, did you actually ever get to talk to her? Is she pleasant? As hot in person?
she's hot in person. I didn't really talk to her, I mean I sell popcorns and rip movie tickets and she's a patron you know, there's not that much chatting going on. I guess it was cute that I called He Loves Me He Loves Me Not "Fatal Attraction Lite" and she laughed. I heard all these stories about her too, seems like everyone working at harvard square knows a snobby/ nice natalie portman story. But the East Coast is way too snobby to admit starcrushes I tells you.
Working at my arty theater is cool though, I had nice conversations with Stephen King, Stephen Wright, Noam Chomsky, Penn and Teller, and QT. All were there as patrons except for QT. Casey Affleck and Matt Damon used to come here too, as well as David Cross. No one really "hot", but name-dropping is always fun, no?
Quote from: Zach BraffSophia Coppola
I'm seeing this as soon as I can.
I saw the trailer, loved it, I really want to see the movie. Is it NC-17? That's what the card after the trailer said.
Natalie Portman is hot.
Quote from: A Matter Of Chance
Natalie Portman is hot.
yes sir
finally:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/garden_state/
looks good
btw i really need to see eternal sunshine
Love this trailer, but whats the song?
Frou Frou - Let Go
Daaaang the trailer IS sweet.
I could believe that the movie is not as good, but still, just the trailer itself is so awesome that there is a spark of real talent in there somewhere. Dunno if there much of it in the movie, but it's there in the trailer.
Okay so... I've seen this trailer a bunch of times. Then I didn't watch it for like... 3 days.
Then I just saw it again and I... I just can't get over it. I don't care if the buzz is that the movie isn't That Great, cuz this trailer is fuggin amazing.
I mean... I know the whole movie can't be quite as exotic as the trailer makes it seem (come on... it's about Jersey, not... some... exotic place). But still, the trailer is awesome. A week after seeing it the first time, it's still awesome.
i actually just watched the trailer again too.....fucking great.
it should be called Symmetry 101.
u'd think no one has heard of Wes Anderson, the response that trailer is getting.
Nah nah it's obvious that he's taking from Anderson and stuff. There was some interview with Braff where he said that he's a big fan of Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola right now. Regardless, I still think it's a pretty awesome teaser.
Cuz I'm not talking about the movie Garden State, I'm just talking about the trailer as a stand-alone thing. If you look at the details of the teaser and try and figure out how it would piece together a movie--that movie might not be all that, or at least, it could easily not be that great. And when the full trailer comes out, with dialogue and all, it probably won't be as interesting.
The little things, like him standing and the shirt blending with the wall, or when he's sitting still and people are moving fast around him, the staring in the mirror (divided) thing... these individual elements are kinda eh and they've been done before etc. etc. But this teaser is greater than the sum of its parts, in my opinion.
yea I definetly just watched the trailer for like the 30th time. Its friggen addictive in its detached epic sort of way. I sense Wes Anderson meets Kubrick meets (sofia/francis) Coppola. Great, great, great trailer...its gonna be a real let down when the actual movie isn't that good but shit happens.
that's kinda how i would describe my style (well i haven't actually made any movies, so at least how i think it would be......Kubrick shooting a Wes Anderson script and Godard instead of Coppola)
on the IMDB, the rating is kinda low, but after reading a few posts, apparently the ratings are made by Natalie haters. they said there are several 1's. a movie has to be really really bad to deserve a 1 i would think.
glad to see i'm not the only person obsessed with the "Garden State" trailer. i too am worried the movie will not live up to the trailer, but with peter sarsgaard who tore it up in "shattered glass" last year and nataile portman and ian holm the movie is sure to work on at least some level.
In the new Entertainment Weekly, Zach Braff says that his next film will be an adaptation of the childrens' book 'Andrew Henry's Meadow.' Does anyone else remember this book, and/or remember loving it as much as I did? It's an elegantly illustrated story of a boy who likes to invent things, to the chagrin of his parents; so one day he runs away from home and builds an amazing tree house; all the neighborhood children migrate to his meadow and he builds them all homes tooled to their specific interests. It inspired me to build many a fort in my backyard.
I don't know how I feel about it being made into a movie -- it's a very old fashioned story, beautiful in its sheer simplicity, and Braff describing it as a Goonies style film worries me.
If David Gordon Green announced that he was going to make it, I wouldn't have any worries at all. It's that kinda story.
is the book more of a picture book like Where the Wild Things Are or does it have a detailed story?
It's got more pictures than words, but there are more words than Where The Wild Things Are. The pictures, as I remember them, are very evocative b/w pen and ink drawings.
I looked through all my boxes of old books trying to find the copy I grew up with, but my mom said it's probably on the shelves at our other house...I'm really anxious to revisit it now, I haven't thought about it in years but now the memories are flooding back. Maybe it'll come back into print when and if the movie comes out.
he should adapt his trailer.
Quote from: CCBaxterglad to see i'm not the only person obsessed with the "Garden State" trailer. i too am worried the movie will not live up to the trailer, but with peter sarsgaard who tore it up in "shattered glass" last year and nataile portman and ian holm the movie is sure to work on at least some level.
youre most definately not the only one...
i first saw this trailer before watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Needless to say, the trailer put me in the right frame of mind for the movie...
also check out the imdb board for it too :) there is one thread called something like "obsessed with the traler" :D
I must be the only one here that really hates the trailer for its derivative style.
Yup.
Quote from: SalI must be the only one here that really hates the trailer for its derivative style.
Quote from: Pubrickit should be called Symmetry 101.
u'd think no one has heard of Wes Anderson, the response that trailer is getting.
Quote from: SalI must be the only one here that really hates the trailer for its derivative style.
what does that word mean...?
I think he means that it's obvious that the director ripped off a lot of techniques already used. Or "borrowed" them... :roll:
at this point in cinema what really isn't derivative of something?
anywho, where did you find the pic for the avatar with shirt/wall blend in thing from the trailer?
I screen grabbed it from the Quicktime trailer.
And it really doesn't matter about which shots or which style is found in certain scenes--it's how well the director can blend those things in to a complete and beautiful movie.
This may not be the case with Garden State, but I'm sure hoping for it.
Quoteat this point in cinema what really isn't derivative of something?
I thought post modernists kept themselves hidden away like little hermits? What are you doing self proclaiming that stuff?? :)
Garden State is like the alleyway prostitute eager to get inside your pants. It screams "easy." I'll save my load for bigger and better things..
Zach Braff Adapting Andrew Henry's Meadow
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Zach Braff -- whose directorial debut, "Garden State," raked in positive reviews and a $5 million distribution deal at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival -- has found a follow-up project. Garden State writer/director and Scrubs star Zach Braff is teaming with his brother to adapt D. Burn's novel Andrew Henry's Meadow for 20th Century Fox.
Braff and his brother, Adam Braff, will co-write the screenplay and serve as executive producers on the John Davis-produced project, says The Hollywood Reporter.
The film is the story of a boy inventor who escapes suburbia to a beautiful meadow where he builds a child's utopia in the trees. There he becomes a reluctant hero who leads a band of fellow outcasts on a mission to awaken their families before it's too late.
Internet-Only Trailer (http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/garden_state/internet_exclusive/high.html)
Eh. For those who liked the first teaser, this ain't quite so good I think. For those who hated the first teaser, this probably only gives you reason to hate it more. The use of the music is pretty crap and the dialogue shows itself now as kinda... crap, as was previously reported.
Oh well.
i like that trailer actually...better than the first...good use of the postal service song.
"Natalie Portman is hot!"
"Yeah, she's hot!"
"I met her!"
"Natalie is really hot!"
"I met her too!"
"Natalie is SO hot! I can't wait!"
"Wait, what's the name of this movie again?"
I actually didn't like the use of the Postal Service song. It's a great song, but one of my pet peeves I guess is when a song is cut to pieces to fit the images. There must've been 3 or 4 abrupt cuts in the music. And I don't think that song fit the images very well.
It's not a well put together trailer, but I'm still interested in the film itself.
Quote from: matt35mmI actually didn't like the use of the Postal Service song. It's a great song, but one of my pet peeves I guess is when a song is cut to pieces to fit the images. There must've been 3 or 4 abrupt cuts in the music. And I don't think that song fit the images very well.
though i disagree with you...i do see where you're coming from. "Let Go" was put to better use, but i'm glad he didnt use it twice.
the other song is:
Travis - "Love Will Come Through"
the jokes seem very Scrub-ish......i definitely like the way the movie title is done at the end, but it reminds me of the Focus title.
anyone who says this looks too much like Wes Anderson needs to watch that Napoleon Dynamite trailer again (which will also be great)
Quote from: ComixFananyone who says this looks too much like Wes Anderson needs to watch that Napoleon Dynamite trailer again (which will also be great)
yeah, no need. that also looks too much like wes anderson.
Poster:
http://www.impawards.com/2004/garden_state.html
It's kinda pathetic (good representation of the movie) :lol:
god, he's trying so hard.
What's the logic behind the soaking wet cast in glad bags in front of a bright blue sky?
I say they should have taken the paisley wallpaper shot for the poster, personally.
Quote from: RaikusI say they should have taken the paisley wallpaper shot for the poster, personally.
yeah and milked it for all its worth (very little) before the movie is even released.
i can't wait till this crappy hype falls flat on its face and we can move onto things that deserve the attention/expectation.
indeed
some reviews:
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=17808
Quote from: PubrickQuote from: RaikusI say they should have taken the paisley wallpaper shot for the poster, personally.
yeah and milked it for all its worth (very little) before the movie is even released.
i can't wait till this crappy hype falls flat on its face and we can move onto things that deserve the attention/expectation.
Is there much hype for this film or is it all contained within this thread?
The (beautiful, beautiful) cover of the latest issue of Interview proudly proclaims it as this summer's anti-blockbuster, and goes on about it inside the magazine as well.
Other than that, yeah, mostly in this thread.
i don't know, the hype is pretty widespread.
i've seen it discussed on messageboards that are totally unrelated to film..........the trailer in front of ETernal Sunshine really created a buzz
any idea what kind of release it's getting?
well, looks like i'm going to have to eat my words (kind of). i saw Garden State last night in Wash DC with Mr. Zach Braff in attendance, and have to say i really enjoyed it (mostly). i went in with relatively low expectations since i have a prejudice against anything that goes to Sundance anymore, and although the trailer looked cool, it also looked like it was trying a little too hard for that perfect wes anderson/sofia coppola mix. but, to my surprise very quickly i found myself really enjoying the movie, and even till the last 15 minutes or so, even loving it.
it was funny, a little sad, captured new jersey perfectly (having funny characters that didnt turn COMPLETELY into caricatures a la Napoleon Dynamite), natalie portman was as good as i've seen her in a while, (maybe ever?) although i loved her 2 minutes in cold mountain, it was nice to see her just playing a girl from planet earth that you could actually imagine, not some otherworldy beauty. she was very believable, and one of the biggest surprises was zach braff. i've seen about 1 1/2 episodes of scrubs so i really didnt know him at all outside of seing him on conan once or twice but thought he did a really good job in the movie as well. and maybe best of all the shades of those other directors from the trailer didnt end up being as distracting as i thought they might've been in the film. (in other words: it didnt ever feel false, or like a big rip-off when i was watching it like i was afraid it might).
for me however, when they get towards the end there are a few speeches, a kiss at the wrong place!, and a rushed resolution that just didnt sit right with me. the movie had been going along so good up until that point, taking its time, unfolding at its own leisurely pace, and it was never boring, but the end just didnt work.
overall, it was pretty good and although not as assured as Lost in Translation or You Can Count On Me or the films he had mentioned as being sort of the what he wanted to do with this movie, it was still one my favorite things i've seen this year. as long as you're expectations are reasonable, itll be a nice change from the barrage of disappiontment the rest of the year hath brought. so a B/B- and a RECOMMENDED.
that's good. i just came across the supposed soundtrack list
http://zach-braff.com/
What Songs Are On The Soundtrack & When Will It Be Released:
August 3rd is the release date for the soundtrack. The following is a track from the soundtrack:
Don't Panic - Coldplay
Caring Is Creepy - The Shins
In The Waiting Line - Zero 7
New Slang - The Shins
Orange Sky - Alexi Murdock
I Just Don't Think - Colin Hay
Lebanese Blonde - Thievery Corporation
Blue Eyes - Cary Brothers
Fair - Remy Zero
One Of These Things First - Nick Drake
The Only Living Boy In New York- Simon & Garfunkel
Such Great Heights – Iron and Wine
Let Go - Frou Frou
Winding Road - Bonnie Somerville
and the new website has a blog from the director and behind the scenes
http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/gardenstate/
Quote from: bigideasthat's good. i just came across the supposed soundtrack list
yeah, i have about 10 of those in my iTunes under Garden State playlist right now. i cant find the rest of them......yet.
Quote from: bigideasOne Of These Things First - Nick Drake
The Only Living Boy In New York- Simon & Garfunkel
No shit? I've got a whole lotta love for them there songs. Don't you guys go and heighten my expectations now...
a good, try-hard soundtrack does not a good movie make.
this is true Yoda Pubrick, however; it does encourage me to want to see it.
i was just shocked by the double whammy of Shins' songs.
Quote from: Pubricka good, try-hard soundtrack does not a good movie make.
But combined with a positive review from someone whose opinion often matches mine it sure does help.
Here's a linik with 9 clips from the movie.
http://www.cinemovies.fr/fiche_extrait.php?IDfilm=2266
ok this is officially the best movie of all time.
Good stuff. Now I'm really amped to see this movie again.
Quote from: Pubrickok this is officially the best movie of all time.
Well, Zach Braff's daddy told him time and again, "Try hard enough, and you'll make it."
I didn't know it would be this bad. Yet another Pubrick prediction proven.
The cheerful extended conversational irony is jaw-droppingly obnoxious (especially in the first two clips). This could also be Natalie Portman's most annoying role ever. It looks like the worst parts of Kate Winslet's Eternal Sunshine performance extended to epic length, and with token conversational philosophizing.
One prediction: Natalie Portman's character has cancer. And that's why she's so spontaneous.
Quote from: Jeremy BlackmanOne prediction: Natalie Portman's character has cancer. And that's why she's so spontaneous.
SPOILERnopeEND SPOILERS
whoa, all the real girls in the suburbs.
He's actually telling people his main influences are Sofia Coppola and Wes Anderson? What a dummy. He should have said Godard and Kurosawa.
Quote from: Slick ShoesHe's actually telling people his main influences are Sofia Coppola and Wes Anderson? What a dummy. He should have said Godard and Kurosawa.
Why stop there? Edison and Lumiere!
why stop there? Confucius and Zeus!
Why stop there?
because I said so
keep going girls.
i cant wait to see this.... those clips are soooo indy........
Quote from: Stefenkeep going girls.
keep doing girls. or keep trying anyways. you premature ejaculating powder powdered milk baby.
Quote from: peteQuote from: Stefenkeep going girls.
keep doing girls. or keep trying anyways. you premature ejaculating powder powdered milk baby.
WEAK. I will keep doing girls. And the premature ejaculation isn't a problem, never has been.
Ha! I can't wait till this thing comes out. Everyone will stop talking about and be very disappointed.
Admin edit: couple a spoilers
Well, I wasn't disappointed, seeing as how I went in ready to pick it apart (honestly), almost wanting it to suck, because I feel that I fall in love with movies too easily and was determined to remain critical with this one; but it didn't work, because even critically speaking, I really admire it. Sure, it's got all of these gorgeous, perfectly symmetrical show-off shots with cranes and wide angle lenses, but it's also got tons of technical problems like continuity glitches and bad blocking and 180-degree breaks, but between these two extremes I saw a filmmaker who isn't the second coming of either Anderson or Sofia Coppola, but someone who definitely has talent and who is worth paying attention to. And while a lot of the dialogue is very sentimental and obvious, the triad of young performers delivering it are all so talented that they make it work, and sometimes even make it very meaningful. Braff in particular, who was at the screening and is such a completely different person in real life that he was barely recognizable (I've never seen Scrubs), and also Portman, who hasn't given a non-marginal performance this good since Leon (seriously). She's completely wonderful here, and her scene at the end on the airport staircase is stunning. Her character is vivacious and goofy, but not, as JB proposed, like Clementine in Eternal Sunshine. Also, she does not die of cancer, nor is she terminally ill. The movie never comes close to stooping that low, although it does have a running through the airport scene that I could have lived without. There was a lot I could have lived without, actually, but I liked the movie a whole lot and goddamn it I'm just not cynical enough to dismiss it because its heart is so clearly on its sleeve or because the director couldn't help but show off with some really cool shots.
And a voice of reason enters the fray.
Never thought I'd see one of those around here.
Zach Braff on Garden State
Source: Edward Douglas Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Most will know Zach Braff as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian on the hit NBC sitcom Scrubs, but pretty soon, they may know him as one of the brightest new independent writers and director, as he takes on multiple roles for his new movie Garden State, starring Natalie Portman. In the movie, Braff plays Andrew Largeman, a third rate Hollywood actor who has to return home to Jersey when his mother suddenly dies, forcing him to deal with a past he thought he left behind.
ComingSoon.net spoke to the talented and very funny star about what he went through to get his dream project made.
CS!: How hard was it to be taken seriously when you walked in and said you wanted to direct this feature film, since you had only done short films and music videos beforehand?
Braff: Well it was harder than I thought. I had envisioned in my head that being on "Scrubs" and having Natalie Portman attached to star and Danny Devito producing, that it would be a cinch. I wasn't asking for that much money. I couldn't find anyone that wanted to take the risk, because the screenplay is not a traditional three-act structure. It's not a movie a studio would ever generate, and as I learned it was not a movie a studio would ever produce, even as I got Peter [Sarsgaard] and Ian [Holm]. People would say, "Okay, if you do this to it." They were freaked out by things like introducing a character that doesn't come back. Well, that's life! I go home for four days and I meet somebody. They're not going to teach me a lesson by the time I leave. They wanted a lot of things. I would leave a meeting and think that they basically want me to make a big studio movie, but it's not that. Eventually, I found a young gentlemen who was willing to take a risk, and that's how I got the movie made. When the studios saw it done, they were very into it. It's what you call in the studio system, "execution dependent". It's a good term you have to learn if you ever try to get a movie made, which means "we want to see it when someone else has taken the risk and it's done."
CS!: Was it difficult to direct yourself in scenes that you were also acting in?
Braff: It was tricky. There were times when I'd be acting with my right eye and watching a camera crane with my left eye. A lot of times it was helpful, because a lot of the scenes are one on two or three people. I felt, in a certain way that, I was a director undercover as an actor, and that I could steer a scene how I wanted it to go, by what I was giving the other actors. Normally a director would have to cut and say, "You need to give him a little more of this". I didn't have to do any of that. The main communication a director has in a film is talking to the lead actor, and a lot of time is eaten up trying to get the right thing. For me, that was all in my head. In some ways, I think it sped things up and enabled us to shoot the movie in twenty-five days, which was pretty obscene.
CS!: Supposedly you wrote this role for Natalie Portman. What was it about her that made you want her for this role?
Braff: For me, there's a very rare thing that you find in certain actors or actresses, and she has it. There's a lot of pretty actresses in Hollywood, and there's a handful of them who are good actresses, and then there's the occasional one that has that weird thing that everyone can't describe. She walks in a room and you can't take your eyes off here. It's not just the beauty. It's something else and you can't put your finger on it. She has that, and I always saw that and wondered how lucky I would be if I one day got to work with her in any capacity, let alone have her starring in my first film. I've just been such a huge fan of hers since she was a kid.
CS!: Did you realize that you had both done Shakespeare and you had both worked with Woody Allen?
Braff: No, I knew we went to the same theatre camp in Lock Sheldrake, New York, and I knew that she was a nice Jewish girl from the East Coast. I didn't really know anything about her until we met and had lunch together.
CS!: In the movie, Natalie Portman's character says, "You're that guy on TV!" Do you get that a lot now?
Braff: Yeah, I'm the "Scrubs guy"; no one knows my name. (laughter) Donald Faison used to always laugh, because we'd be walking down the street and people would just yell out, "Clueless!" (more laughter) He was like, "I'm really looking forward to a time in my life when people stop yelling out the word "clueless", so now we're 'Scrubs guys!"
CS!: Did you come up with some of the movie's sight gags while on the set or did you have all of them written out beforehand?
Braff: Everything pretty much had to be storyboarded. I had to take as many things as possible out of the directing mix on set, so I storyboarded every single frame of the movie. That's not to say occasionally, we'd be like, this is cool, let's try that, but most of those things were completely planned in the script.
CS!: For an independent movie you have a lot of producers on this. How did so many producers get involved and were you able to keep your original vision for the movie?
Braff: Everyone wanted to produce it; no one wanted to pay for it. (laughter) The first thing that happened is that Jersey Films got attached. They really liked the movie, but they don't finance films. They mostly do big movies, but they loved the script, and they were curious about doing something smaller, so that brought on the bulk of the producers, because they have three executives at the company and then the two hands-on producers who would also be on-set. Then we got the financiers, Gary and Dan Halsted who were with Camelot Pictures. There were a lot of cooks, but I have to say that they were really great in giving me my space. There are so many nightmare scenarios where everyone is so freaked about a first time filmmaker that they're all over him. They gave me final cut on the movie, which for a first-time director is pretty obscene.
CS!: How did your experience on Scrubs help the way you approached the comedy?
Braff: The comedy in "Scrubs", at times, is a lot broader and I didn't want to have any broad comedy. Occasionally on "Scrubs" and my favorite kind of comedy is the really dry stuff, like The Office, and I love that stuff. I learned a lot about that. Largeman is essentially the straight man in the movie, which I don't do in "Scrubs". I'm by no means the straight man in "Scrubs". The biggest thing I got from "Scrubs" is the pace in which we shoot. It's a great boot camp for making indie films, because we shoot an episode in five days. It's a tremendous amount of work and we shoot and move on, shoot and move on. That's the way we had to approach shooting this movie. Also on Scrubs, we have a different director every week, so it was also a continuing education in film school for me to work with a different director, and say, "I like the way this person directs. That's something I'm going to take that with me. That's something I don't like, so I'm never going to do that to my actors." It was a unique opportunity for an aspiring director to have, to essentially be directed by a different director every week for three years.
CS!: How did the Sundance Film Festival help the movie and how did the movie end up at both Fox Searchlight and Miramax?
Braff: It's a long story, but the short version is we went there, premiered it, and the immediate response was really positive. It was fun for us, because all these people that had passed on it were now really excited about it. Offers started coming in, and it quickly got down to three companies. Two of them were particularly passionate about it, and in an unprecedented move, Harvey Weinstein [head of Miramax] called Peter Rice [at Fox Searchlight] and suggested they buy it together. We were a bit freaked out by what that meant. When the dust settled, it was the dream scenario, because it was two of the most powerful and respected distribution companies polling their resources.
CS!: The soundtrack for the movie is also pretty amazing. Why did you choose to highlight the Shins as one of the bands that actually gets mentioned by name in the movie?
Braff: I think they are the greatest band in the world. I love them, and I don't get tired of their music. I started getting freaked out when I started falling in love with music that no one was listening to. One of my favorite bands in the world is a band called Remy Zero, and they couldn't sell albums and I don't even think they're together anymore. I have one of their songs in the movie, when Natalie is tap dancing in front of the fireplace. The Shins are a band I got turned onto. I basically just scored the movie with my favorite music. It's really cool to know that people are now responding to the music the way they are on the Internet. People are talking about the soundtrack and are so psyched about when it's coming out. It makes me really happy, since it will be a great opportunity for all these bands that are having trouble getting exposure to get heard, including people that aren't even signed yet. There are three people on the soundtrack that aren't even signed. That always freaks me out more. I go to a concert and see someone as the Second Coming and they can't even get signed to a label.
CS!: Was it hard getting rights to some of the music, especially the bigger acts like Coldplay?
Braff: Simon and Garfunkel and Coldplay were the ones where we were like, "Why are we kidding ourselves?" In fact, when the label for Simon and Garfunkel first came back, we all had a good laugh at how much money they were asking for. We could make another movie for that amount! I wrote them a letter and I appealed to Paul Simon, and they were very generous. When they saw the scene it was going to be in, they didn't hesitate to say we can have it. I edited it and put all of my dream stuff in, and I only got turned down by one person. Little by little, Simon and Garfunkel, Coldplay, Nick Drake's estate--all these bands, one by one--said "yes".
CS!: Speaking of Simon and Garfunkel, are a lot of older people comparing it to The Graduate?
Braff: I don't like The Graduate comparison, just because that puts so much pressure on the movie. It's not fair. It's like seeing a toddler being good at basketball and assuming he's going to be the next Michael Jordan. Don't do that to him! I love that movie. It's a brilliant movie and I don't think my movie is that good, but I do think that what The Graduate did was sort of take the temperature for a generation and say that this is the state of union for what it felt like to be a 20-something at that time. What I was aspired to do was for somebody to relate to it in a similar way.
CS!: To what extent did you imagine Garden State to be a generational statement?
Braff: I didn't really think of it like that. I think if I set out to make a generational statement, I would have gotten really pretentious and self-important, and I hate those movies. I just thought that there has to be people my age who are going through this feeling I have right now, people who feel lost and feel depressed or lonely and are not really sure why. I wrote a short story about a lonely guy who really is due for a new chapter to open in his life, and I decided that I wasn't going to pay attention to story structure or all the rules that are so wonderfully spoofed in the movie Adaptation. I'm just going to write a story and I didn't really know where it was going. I knew I had ideas of things I wanted to do, but when I first started writing, I was like "Where would it go next?" I tried to keep it really honest and I think people responded to it, because there are a lot of people out there who are going through the same thing. The cool thing that I didn't expect is that people of all different ages are responding. Every generation thinks that they're going through this for the first time. It's really a movie about transition, about looking for contentment and dreaming of finding it. I think every human being can relate to that on some level.
Zach Braff's directorial debut, Garden State, opens in New York and Los Angeles on Wednesday and then everywhere else in August.
This was a wonderful movie. It's definitely not for everyone (people who are picking on the lack of structure and "uneven tone"), but its an extremely emotional, very honest story that made me want to hug the screen while I was watching. The feeling I got watching it was very similar to what I felt while watching "Punch-Drunk Love" and "Lost in Translation." Like those films, there's a certain emotional wavelength you have to be on to appreciate it...
And the music kicks ass.
He really is a pretentious film school asshole.... :lol:
Just Kidding
i enjoyed this film quite a bit. the soundtrack is amazing.
agreed on the soundtrack
Out of his scrubs
Zach Braff hangs up his stethoscope to direct 'Garden State.'
Source: Los Angeles Times
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.calendarlive.com%2Fmedia%2Fphoto%2F2004-08%2F13654895.jpg&hash=fde7f19afaa740956b2c5321cc483104db82548e)
Zach Braff on the set of “Garden State.” “I was amazed at how much freedom I was given on the film,” he says. “Once we got the financing, they basically just let me go.”
There is a particularly telling scene early in "Garden State" that captures the strange world between obscurity and celebrity to which young Hollywood hopefuls often find themselves relegated. The film's writer-director, Zach Braff, who also stars as Andrew Largeman, a doped-up struggling actor working at a Vietnamese restaurant in L.A., knows the moment well — he lived it not that long ago.
An actor since adolescence (he was in high school when he had a featured part in Woody Allen's 1993 "Manhattan Murder Mystery"), he moved to Los Angeles after college and in 2000 had a role in the romantic comedy "The Broken Hearts Club." Here, let Braff tell the rest.
"I was working at Le Coloniel on Beverly before it closed and my film 'The Broken Hearts Club' was showing at the Sunset 5 and people would come to the restaurant after seeing the movie and I'd wait on them. They'd say, 'I saw your movie.' 'Oh, cool.' They'd say, 'We really liked it,' and I'd say, 'Oh thank you, thank you very much, and let me tell you about our specials. We have the cod ...' "
It was a humbling experience for Braff, but it made good material for his film. He started working on the script in the four-month period in 2000 after he was cast as J.D. on "Scrubs," where he is the star, comic foil and emotional heart of the NBC hit comedy.
Those lean times also helped prepare Braff for the indie film world. While "Scrubs" attracts more than 10 million viewers per week, making it one of NBC's top comedies, and although his script became a hot property — particularly after Natalie Portman was attached as his costar — he still couldn't assemble the $4-million budget for the film. It was only when he whittled the cost down to $2.5 million that investor Gary Gilbert finally just wrote the check himself, ensuring Braff the final cut he wanted.
"In TV, there are so many chefs in the kitchen, between the network and the studios," Braff noted. "I was amazed at how much freedom I was given on the film. Once we got the financing, they basically just let me go.
"I remember the first day of shooting, and the executive producer saw the dailies.... He said to me, 'You know, you can shoot more film. You can shoot close-ups.' "
When it began to generate buzz at the Sundance Film Festival early this year, Fox Searchlight and Miramax quickly bought the rights to distribute it (Searchlight is handling it in the U.S.). Since the film hit theaters Wednesday, it has grossed $267,000 in nine locations, fine for an art-house opening but barely registering against No. 1-ranked "The Village," with an estimated $50.8 million its first weekend.
Labor of love
"Garden State" is a dark comedy — emphasis on the dark — about the struggles young adults face as they enter their 20s. As Braff explains it, he wanted to make his feature writing and directing debut with something that was intensely personal for him.
"If my first film was something I had no relation to, I think it would be too hard to be as passionate and thus harder to deal with every single door in town getting closed in my face," Braff says.
"Garden State" tracks four days in the life of Largeman, a young actor who returns to his New Jersey home for the first time in a decade, for his mother's funeral and for his own rites of self-evaluation.
He reconnects with some aimless friends — particularly Mark (Peter Sarsgaard), now a grave-digger; confronts his distant, controlling psychiatrist father (Ian Holm); and meets quirky, uninhibited Samantha (Portman), who has all the spontaneity Large (as he's called) lacks. Key details about his life, and his nearly lifelong reliance on Lithium, emerge along the way.
And that's pretty much it. The tall, engaging 29-year-old, who studied writing and directing as well as acting at Northwestern University, purposely avoided the three-act structure that shows up in nearly every studio film. Instead, he opted for a more improvisational feel.
"Garden State" had just the sensibility Portman was looking for. Like Braff, she wanted a role that was markedly different from her signature part, that of Padmé Amidala in the current "Star Wars" trilogy.
"I read the script and it was like no other part I'd had the opportunity to play," Portman said, "someone so uninhibited and unreserved and lets all her flaws shine. That was really exciting to do, and liberating. I'm a pretty inhibited person myself. I try not to be, but years of adolescence train you to be embarrassed about everything that's weird about you.... A lot of what this movie's about is how can you be different and find your unique place in the world."
Like Braff, some of the best-known film directors first found careers in TV sitcoms. Ron Howard was Richie Cunningham before he directed big-budget films such as "Apollo 13" and "A Beautiful Mind." Penny Marshall segued from "Laverne & Shirley" to steering "Big" and "A League of Their Own." Rob Reiner went from "All in the Family" to directing credits that include "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men," among others. Danny DeVito appeared fated to a career as a character actor after "Taxi," then went on to direct "War of the Roses" and executive produce "Pulp Fiction."
Said DeVito: "If you have the desire, the passion for making movies and really apply yourself and get chops by hanging around, learning, studying, have something to offer," you have a chance. DeVito's Jersey Films also produced "Garden State."
"It's not such a difficult transition," he said, "if you put your mind to it and get a little luck."
It might still seem an odd transition to move from a broad, physical comedy like "Scrubs" to a small, personal story like "Garden State." But, if anything, Braff found "Scrubs" a master class.
"Let's not talk about sitcoms; let's talk about a single-camera half-hour show that's shot like a film and in fact is more like a low-budget indie film because you shoot so fast," says Braff. "I think of it as film grad school: We have a different director every week, we shoot a short film in five days, and each week I get to see how a different director works and directs people."
Bill Lawrence, who created and produces "Scrubs," had no inkling his star was an aspiring filmmaker when he first came in to audition.
"It was funny, because we knew him as an actor," said Lawrence, who jokingly refers to Braff as "my new young diva." "So it was very easy to be very condescending about his writing when we learned about it. Then I saw the movie, along with some of the writers, and we were prepared for our supportive 'great try' speech.
"I'm annoyed it was so good; it's very upsetting."
Down to earth
Lawrence noted that he and the others on the "Scrubs" set made sure that Braff wouldn't get a swelled head after making his directorial debut.
"When he got back from selling the movie at Sundance and we were sure he was feeling like a young star, we made sure the first episode he shot he'd be in a clown costume, and was shot in the face with seltzer water."
The episode was real, but Lawrence is joking about Braff's ego. People who know Braff well talk about his mix of strong self-confidence and general lack of self-importance.
"That's why I think the 'film by' credit is sort of silly," Braff said, before his costar interrupted him.
"No, come on. If any film is 'by' anyone, this is it," Portman said, adding, "You did absolutely everything."
"My point is I didn't take a 'film by' credit because it feels to me this is a film by 150 people," Braff continued. "I like this collaborative thing you do together."
Now it's back to the collaborative but frenetic world of network TV, as Braff gets set to begin the fourth season of "Scrubs." He's also going to turn up on the big screen next year in a very un-"Garden State" film, as the title voice in Disney's animated "Chicken Little."
"How cool is that?" Portman asks, before answering the question herself. "It's so cool."
As for his next writing-directing project, Braff said he's in no hurry. "I'm lucky I have 'Scrubs,' because I want to do a lot more acting. I think I'll wait until I find something I'm as passionate about before I make my next film."
Quote from: InsomniacHe really is a pretentious film school asshole.... :lol:
Just Kidding
Ha ha... yeah I guess so... although your "dogville" avatar ventures close to that territory as well.
I didnt enjoy this film the way I thought I would. The trailer never got to me, and in fact turned me away. I felt it was trying too hard to be on the same wavelength as Translation, which I read was a cited inspiration for Braff.
I feel there are too many anomolies here to be forgiving towards the movie, despite my respect and admiration for Braff. It's tough to do something like this and pull it off solidly at Sundance. People bought it! It's praise enough I think. But at the end of the day, I have a duty to look at it with an unflinching eye. Im glad people that like the movie have found something new since Translation to hold onto. Im still waiting for mine..
Quote from: SalI felt it was trying too hard to be on the same wavelength as Translation, which I read was a cited inspiration for Braff.
I'd like to see where you read that... Everything I've read thus far indicates that Braff was mainly riffing on The Graduate and Harold and Maude, which I think are far more apt comparisons than Lost in Translation... It didn't really strike me as that similar to Translation (save the basic premise of twentysomethings shoegazing), although I think it will appeal to the same audience... I definitely left the theatre with a feeling similar to the one I had after Translation, but I still think it's a stretch.
I've read at least one interview, and also heard him say in person, that Sofia Coppola was a big influence...I don't know if he mentioned LIT directly, though.
Conversely, Sofia Coppola has expressed great love for Harold And Maude.
hopefully i will see this and Napoleon Dynamite at the Magnolia on Saturday.
do you think it will sell out, GB?
i've never been to the Magnolia, so i have no idea how many people it seats or if a lot of people go there.
Napoleon Dynamite shouldn't. Garden State might depending on when you go to see it. If the Metallica documentary is still playing, you should see that too. It's a completely awesome theater, you'll love it. Good place to spend an entire day.
See if anybody tries to get a refund after the movie's over :lol:
he was at my screening and mentioned wanting to make this a type of movie like lost in translation because there werent enough movies out there like that, that spoke to him and a crowd who wants to see movies like that. but i dont really see it being that similar.
maybe Braff just means that GS is an indie film like LiT instead of a generic big budget mainstream film.
Quote from: bigideasmaybe Braff just means that GS is an indie film like LiT instead of a generic big budget mainstream film.
But there are lots of indie films out there.
LiT had a certain atmosphere surrounding it, which FilmStudent touched on (the shoegazing thing), which I think is what Braff means. LiT was a quiet film, which is why I've heard a lot of people complain about nothing happening in it. So, I'm assuming it's similar since I haven't had the chance to see it yet, so maybe I shouldn't be talking right now. :?
hmm...
It seems really odd to me that Braff is making the LiT comparison... He didn't mention it at the Q&A I went to, but apparently that was the ONLY place where he didn't mention it...
Regardless, I love both Garden State and LiT and hopefully GS will attract the same kind of business that LiT did...
it wont, but i have the same morsel of hope
Quote from: El Duderinoit wont, but i have the same morsel of hope
You're probably right, but let's hope it does at least $10 or $15 mil...
what's the name of the song in the end credits that comes on after frou frou's let go?
Stupid limited release. We're not getting it in Montreal till next Friday. Can't wait to see it. Its cool that he's a film school graduate. The teaser has convinced me to do a masters in film production. At least for now. I may change my mind when I see it.
Quote from: RecceIts cool that he's a film school graduate. The teaser has convinced me to do a masters in film production. At least for now.
What's the point? Just aim for a TV sitcom and once you're a hit off that, pitch your project. I bet it'll be much easier.
Saw this today.. quite a good movie, I think. I think it started to drag a bit near the end but nevertheless I enjoyed it very much.
I must say also.. great little bits of comedy in this movie. Unexpected little sight gags that had me laughing really loudly in the theatre.. I think at most parts I was the only one too. Kinda sad. Oh well. Great stuff.
i imagine the LiT comparisons won't stop since the newest ad/trailer quotes a journalist saying, "this year's Lost in Translation."
I saw not so much lost in translation similiarities as to just bill murray similarities. more than a few scenes of this film had Large unenthusiastically observing the world around him, which is a very bill murray thing to do.
Can someone let me in one the Lost in Translation similarities? Because if there are any, I missed all of them.
Quote from: CinephileCan someone let me in one the Lost in Translation similarities? Because if there are any, I missed all of them.
ditto
Quote from: El DuderinoQuote from: CinephileCan someone let me in one the Lost in Translation similarities? Because if there are any, I missed all of them.
ditto
Me three.
I saw this last night, and I didn't really like it. It seemed way to aware of what it wanted to be. The movie didn't feel natural at all... it felt fake. And I really disliked the ending, I thought it was preachy and generally bad. And I didn't think the music fit. To me, it just seemed like Braff wanted to seem "cool" insted of choosing music that really worked well with the movie.
Other than that, I also just really didn't think it was funny. I laughed once or twice. I also thought he has been watching too much Wes Anderson... I mean, I love Wes and it's okay to inspire yourself from it, but some of those scenes were just blatant robbery.
let's talk about the soundtrack some more should we?
I felt so manipulated by those songs, 'cause Zach Braff seemed to use the songs for their superficial values--because the lyrics co-relate to his scenes or because the tune sounds nice, or even worse, because Natalie Portman's character listens to it. Whereas Wes Anderson likes to re-interpret songs like the "Oh Yoko!" or "A Quick One While He's Away" in Rushmore, Braff just seems dependent on the songs to carry through his scenes. The most obvious part (okay, second most obvious, next to the Shins) is when they were riding the motorcycle and Nick Drake's "One of These Things First" plays in the background--Braff uses Nick Drake like the VolksWagen car commercial (The one that practically revived Nick Drake for the kids) uses Nick Drake.
Quote from: petelet's talk about the soundtrack some more should we?
I felt so manipulated by those songs, 'cause Zach Braff seemed to use the songs for their superficial values--because the lyrics co-relate to his scenes or because the tune sounds nice, or even worse, because Natalie Portman's character listens to it. Whereas Wes Anderson likes to re-interpret songs like the "Oh Yoko!" or "A Quick One While He's Away" in Rushmore, Braff just seems dependent on the songs to carry through his scenes. The most obvious part (okay, second most obvious, next to the Shins) is when they were riding the motorcycle and Nick Drake's "One of These Things First" plays in the background--Braff uses Nick Drake like the VolksWagen car commercial (The one that practically revived Nick Drake for the kids) uses Nick Drake.
I can't agree more. And that scene with the "What are you listening to?" "The Shins!" seemed so awkward. Like, hey, let's plug the shins and be indie cool. And the shins aren't gonna change anyone's life.
I tried to see this on Sunday night at 10:20. Sold out. This is going to be big. But I'm not as anxious to see it now...
i saw it again last night and i have to say i liked it a lot more the second time around. i laughed more and the show was sold out, and the audience was great. i have no beef with the music? so what if they were cut to fit the scenes, i.e. "Lebanese Blonde" when they're walking into the hotel. it doesnt take anything away from the movie. i did, however, agree with Chance when she said The Shins, it was just.....awkward, i guess. and no one has noted how believable Jean Smart's performance was. i thought she was great. for the movie as a whole, i smell ISA's
Quote from: El Duderino...agree with Chance when she said The Shins, it was just.....awkward, i guess
Just in case you guys didn't know, I am a guy...[/b]
Quote from: A Matter Of ChanceQuote from: El Duderino...agree with Chance when she said The Shins, it was just.....awkward, i guess
Just in case you guys didn't know, I am a guy...[/b]
just in case you didnt know, i was talking about natalie portman
Quote from: A Matter Of ChanceQuote from: petelet's talk about the soundtrack some more should we?
I felt so manipulated by those songs, 'cause Zach Braff seemed to use the songs for their superficial values--because the lyrics co-relate to his scenes or because the tune sounds nice, or even worse, because Natalie Portman's character listens to it. Whereas Wes Anderson likes to re-interpret songs like the "Oh Yoko!" or "A Quick One While He's Away" in Rushmore, Braff just seems dependent on the songs to carry through his scenes. The most obvious part (okay, second most obvious, next to the Shins) is when they were riding the motorcycle and Nick Drake's "One of These Things First" plays in the background--Braff uses Nick Drake like the VolksWagen car commercial (The one that practically revived Nick Drake for the kids) uses Nick Drake.
I can't agree more. And that scene with the "What are you listening to?" "The Shins!" seemed so awkward. Like, hey, let's plug the shins and be indie cool. And the shins aren't gonna change anyone's life.
Add me to the list you guys are on because I wholeheartedly agree. Im glad that was acknowledged.
I don't think it was just petty promotion for the Shins at all. A girl at her age would listen to them and furthermore, she used that song from them to play those specific lyrics for him.
and furthermore, i like the shins
Quote from: El DuderinoQuote from: A Matter Of ChanceQuote from: El Duderino...agree with Chance when she said The Shins, it was just.....awkward, i guess
Just in case you guys didn't know, I am a guy...[/b]
just in case you didnt know, i was talking about natalie portman
Oh... sorry about that...
You guys are talking like picking music is some highly scientific process that only the most in-the-know sophisticate can do right. I personally appreciated the fact that I didn't want to vomit at every music que.
Natalie Portman's enthusiasm for the shins and her "listen to this, it'll change your life" line rang true with me, simply because my sister is the exact same way, and I've heard her say that exact line to people many times.
And if you want to get down and dirty about music ques, what about cameron crowe's films? He uses music in a much more intrusive, many times arbitrary way than Braff does. He also has characters mention bands, not for any other reason than that Crowe likes that band.
In vanilla sky, cruise is picking music, "Looper? Or how about Radiohead?" And penelope cruz, "Vickie Carr or Jeff Buckley?"
And I love cameron crowe movies, and most of the time I love the music he uses. That doesn't mean the music furthers the story, or complements the thematics, or whatever, it just creates a certain vibe, a groove for the audience to go with.
Regardless of Garden State's flaws (and I admit there are some), I'd rather be thankful for a good first attempt by a filmmaker with promise than bitch and moan about "ooh this was awkward, ooh that was too 'indie cool'" when you could've flushed your ten bucks down the hollywood shitter for Little Black Book or Exorcist 4.
Sorry to bitch, I'm just fucking sick of the shit studios expect me to watch, and when something thats at least a little bit sincere and not so insulting comes along, I'm willing to be forgiving.
That gave me chills. Well said.
so your best compliment of garden state was "at least it wasn't little black book"? garden state's song cues were not impressive, and how exactly did "The Shins" change anyone's life? zack braff and natalie portman smiling at each other in slow motion, that was how.
the difference between zack braff and cameron crowe was actually quite simple: crowe had better songs, and at least buckley is dead.
Quote from: Film StudentYou guys are talking like picking music is some highly scientific process that only the most in-the-know sophisticate can do right. I personally appreciated the fact that I didn't want to vomit at every music que.
Natalie Portman's enthusiasm for the shins and her "listen to this, it'll change your life" line rang true with me, simply because my sister is the exact same way, and I've heard her say that exact line to people many times.
And if you want to get down and dirty about music ques, what about cameron crowe's films? He uses music in a much more intrusive, many times arbitrary way than Braff does. He also has characters mention bands, not for any other reason than that Crowe likes that band.
In vanilla sky, cruise is picking music, "Looper? Or how about Radiohead?" And penelope cruz, "Vickie Carr or Jeff Buckley?"
And I love cameron crowe movies, and most of the time I love the music he uses. That doesn't mean the music furthers the story, or complements the thematics, or whatever, it just creates a certain vibe, a groove for the audience to go with.
Regardless of Garden State's flaws (and I admit there are some), I'd rather be thankful for a good first attempt by a filmmaker with promise than bitch and moan about "ooh this was awkward, ooh that was too 'indie cool'" when you could've flushed your ten bucks down the hollywood shitter for Little Black Book or Exorcist 4.
Sorry to bitch, I'm just fucking sick of the shit studios expect me to watch, and when something thats at least a little bit sincere and not so insulting comes along, I'm willing to be forgiving.
Film Student hit the nail on the head. It's not a perfect movie, and I frankly dislike Coldplay and the Shins quite a bit; but I think Braff's really tried to make something special, and that shows. I'll take faulty but sincere over slick but heartless any day (I haven't seen Little Black Book, but I'll substitute every big summer movie aside from Spiderman 2).
Quote from: peteso your best compliment of garden state was "at least it wasn't little black book"? garden state's song cues were not impressive, and how exactly did "The Shins" change anyone's life? zack braff and natalie portman smiling at each other in slow motion, that was how.
the difference between zack braff and cameron crowe was actually quite simple: crowe had better songs, and at least buckley is dead.
A: No, my best compliment for Garden State is this: I left the theatre excited at the thought of Braff making another movie. I felt invigorated with the hopes and possibilites of both my own life as a young person and of cinema as a form of expression in general. I will buy the movie. I will watch it more than once. And I will enjoy it. Is that compliment enough?
B: Your statement that Garden State's song cues were not impressive is completely your own opinion and one that you're entitled to.
C: How did The Shins change anyone's life? Semantics to the rescue!
Here's a newsflash: audiophiles, much like cinephiles, are prone to hyperbole. "They'll change your life" is an enthusiastic way of expressing your passion for or attachment to a particular band, film, book, etc. Rarely is anyone's life actually changed by a song... It's a whimsical statement meant as an attempt to express the scope of your love for that song. And whether or not YOU like the Shins, you must acknowledge that there are some people who do. I've met them; die-hard Shins fans exist. And that makes that moment in Garden State a legitimate, credible moment.
D: Once again, the idea that Crowe's choice of music is better than Braff's is completely arbitrary and preferential. Crowe uses a lot of the hip-for-the-moment stuff in his films (look at Singles), and I would almost bet my life on the fact that his new film Elizabethtown will feature songs by both Bright Eyes and Rilo Kiley, who I'm sure you hate because of that faux "indie cool" factor.
And what the hell does "at least Buckley is dead" mean? I like Jeff Buckley... and if you wanna go that route, "at least Drake is dead."
Finally came out in Montreal today, went to see it. Had to catch up on ten pages on posts, but now I'm up to date with the rest of you (damn, we're behind up here, geez).
I really liked it. It wasn't the best film I've ever seen, but it definitely had several strong moments that any of us would be lucky to have in one of our projects. I got worried in the very beginning, as it started off pretty bad. The opening sequence was nothing more then some pieced together, 'cool' looking shots that, to me, branded it as hard core student filmish (the opening and closing of the medicine cabinet with all the pill bottles neatly placed, for example). Another one would be when he walks by the row of sinks and they all go off. While cool, they were pretty cheesy and did not serve any purpose whatsoever. Everything picked up when Nathalie Portman's character was introduced however. Since I liked the rest of the film, I'm willing to attribute the rough and boring start to a deliberate attempt by Braff at making it a representation of his life pre-portman. Its probably not the case, but I'm willing to go easy on it, seeing as its his directorial debut (I think).
As far as the whole music thing, it's true that they seemed a touch forced at times. One thing that I felt stuck out was the song in the closing sequence in the airport (Let Go by Frou Frou). I'm not sure if its because I had heard it so many times before in the teaser, but it completely threw me off. The little montage sequence of all the characters in the end didn't really work for me either, now that I think about it. So, the opening and closing sequences were weak, but everything else in between was great. Nathalie Portman rocks.
Quote from: Film StudentIn vanilla sky, cruise is picking music, "Looper? Or how about Radiohead?" And penelope cruz, "Vickie Carr or Jeff Buckley?"
i really love cameron crowe, but have to agree, vanilla sky has a handful of awkward music cues like he REALLY wanted to use stuff he liked whether it fit or not. otherwise i think all his music is great and he usually has some of the best cues in all his films.
i really dont think braff was trying to be cool with his choice of music. i believe that at the time he was writing the script/working on the movie these were the songs he really was into and seemed perfect for the film. (if he wanted to be 'cool' he wouldnt have told spin magazine that he heard the shins because they were played on scrubs.)
Quote from: Pubrick
i can't wait till this crappy hype falls flat on its face and we can move onto things that deserve the attention/expectation.
Wow, did you judge that on the trailer? I mean aren't you the person who ridicules people who get excited over a trailer, or try to judge a film by the trailer. I'd attempt to insult you but the truth is that there is nothing more to you than your Pubrick internet personality which I'm sure you are very proud of, so it's not worth my time.
I don't understand the predisposition of everyone to hate this film before seeing it. I thought it was one of the better films I've seen this year and a great debut film. If you want to split hairs over the film's aesthetic and how obvious the influences are, go ahead. If you are attempting to try to prove to everyone how you are able to spot the influences, congratulations. I see them too. The important thing is that this film works. The aesthetic still works, regardless of the influences. I'm sure all of you have so many ideas in your movies that are completely original and not influenced by anything (except the French New Wave, because that would be vogue).
The (main) characters are fleshed out, and the supporting characters that are met along the way serve their purpose. Some how caricatures are often insulted in films, but I know and even have friends who can be best described as caricatures, so I have no problem with that.
I'm just so sick that a movie like this, which people who frequent this board should be excited and even proud of, still find a reason to insult (unless it was directed by one of the directors who have their own forum, of course).
Maybe I just love this movie because I could really connect with it. I understood a lot of what he was going through. The only reason I can find to be angry at this film is b/c a lot of the ideas & threads presented in Garden State are ones that I had, and I realize that they are presented better than I could have done. I guess I could be bitter and act like a dick, but that's what Pubrick is for.
Quote from: SHAFTRQuote from: Pubrick
i can't wait till this crappy hype falls flat on its face and we can move onto things that deserve the attention/expectation.
Wow, did you judge that on the trailer? I mean aren't you the person who ridicules people who get excited over a trailer, or try to judge a film by the trailer. I'd attempt to insult you but the truth is that there is nothing more to you than your Pubrick internet personality which I'm sure you are very proud of, so it's not worth my time.
FACED!!!!!!I also thought this was a great movie, by the way. Probably my second favorite of the year after Eternal Sunshine. Everyone else in the Theatre seemed to really enjoy it, it's getting fabulous reviews - I think this will be a nice little late summer hit. At least I hope it will be. Braff really deserves some acclaim for a fantastic debut film.
Quote from: SHAFTR
I'm just so sick that a movie like this, which people who frequent this board should be excited and even proud of, still find a reason to insult (unless it was directed by one of the directors who have their own forum, of course).
Maybe I just love this movie because I could really connect with it. I understood a lot of what he was going through. The only reason I can find to be angry at this film is b/c a lot of the ideas & threads presented in Garden State are ones that I had, and I realize that they are presented better than I could have done.
Well Put.
i've got your Lost in Translation comparisons right here:
Garden State > Lost in Translation
:lol: at least in my book. (no backlash please)
i enjoyed the film very much. I happen to love the Shins very much, but the songs of theirs he choose didn't seem to fit the scenes. the song that played while he was on a trip at the party seemed lyrically too obvious, but whatever. it didn't take me out of the film so much so that it ruined it (if this were true then Collateral would be considered ruined by Audioslave).
SPOILERS
i loved the extra framed award in the Dr's office. i didn't quite understand the whole mother's necklace thing........did he take the necklace, sell it......then decide to get it back? that secret hallway in the hotel was pretty creepy.........and i could have sworn that they actually showed part of the airplane ripping apart in the trailer, but not in the film. i wonder if i am just having a Donnie Darko flashback.
Quote from: SHAFTRQuote from: Pubrick
i can't wait till this crappy hype falls flat on its face and we can move onto things that deserve the attention/expectation.
Wow, did you judge that on the trailer? I mean aren't you the person who ridicules people who get excited over a trailer, or try to judge a film by the trailer. I'd attempt to insult you but the truth is that there is nothing more to you than your Pubrick internet personality which I'm sure you are very proud of, so it's not worth my time.
I don't understand the predisposition of everyone to hate this film before seeing it. I thought it was one of the better films I've seen this year and a great debut film. If you want to split hairs over the film's aesthetic and how obvious the influences are, go ahead. If you are attempting to try to prove to everyone how you are able to spot the influences, congratulations. I see them too. The important thing is that this film works. The aesthetic still works, regardless of the influences. I'm sure all of you have so many ideas in your movies that are completely original and not influenced by anything (except the French New Wave, because that would be vogue).
The (main) characters are fleshed out, and the supporting characters that are met along the way serve their purpose. Some how caricatures are often insulted in films, but I know and even have friends who can be best described as caricatures, so I have no problem with that.
I'm just so sick that a movie like this, which people who frequent this board should be excited and even proud of, still find a reason to insult (unless it was directed by one of the directors who have their own forum, of course).
Maybe I just love this movie because I could really connect with it. I understood a lot of what he was going through. The only reason I can find to be angry at this film is b/c a lot of the ideas & threads presented in Garden State are ones that I had, and I realize that they are presented better than I could have done. I guess I could be bitter and act like a dick, but that's what Pubrick is for.
geez, what the fuck is ur problem dude.
not only did i say that like 3 months ago, i then said this just one month ago..
Quote from: Pubrickok this is officially the best movie of all time.
not that i hav to justify myself to this random attack, which is truly random as fuck considering when i said that, and how ur trying to bring up all this fucking old shit about how i'm this and that. fuck man, get a life and a calender.
my initial stance on this thing was based on ppl's reactions to the trailer, everyone was already praising it like it was the second coming of christ. so i looked at it, and i commented on how they are being impressed by bullshit. and to wait for the movie before they make such big claims. after i saw a few clips i said it was the best movie of all time.
so why hav u taken such personal offence at sumthing i said three months ago and then retracted? who knows. my guess is that ur a fucking psycho.
While I liked the film, it was more like a collage of various scenes that, while good on their own, didn't feel connected, at least in the first part of the film. The comedy in the film is genuinely funny but it doesn't gel together into something bigger. I don't know if I can explain it further than that right now. Still, it is unique and interesting, and I enjoyed it. It just isn't a brilliant film.
I am bad at spotting continuity errors, but I did see Braff's hair change a few times in the bathtub scene. I wouldn't have noticed it if Ghostboy didn't mention that the film had continuity errors.
Quote from: Pubrickmy initial stance on this thing was based on ppl's reactions to the trailer, everyone was already praising it like it was the second coming of christ. so i looked at it, and i commented on how they are being impressed by bullshit. and to wait for the movie before they make such big claims. after i saw a few clips i said it was the best movie of all time.
So you thought people having such reactions to the trailer was foolish, but reacting to a few clips wasn't? I'm confused. Your comment on it being "the best movie ever" seemed rather sarcastic at the time, so either your "retraction" was bullshit, or you really meant it and you were just being a hypocrite. Perhaps you can clarify.
i was being sarcastic and at the same time making a final statement on the progression of hype that this film received before it opened.
u will notice that it was the last thing i said in this thread before shaftr decided to bring up an argument i was no longer defending. he has fucked shit up by addressing my comments with more seriousness than i had given them, at the time no one was making character attacks at anyone and no one was taking the trailer-discussion personally. apparently he has.
so u see, it was a fucking joke that ended more than a month ago., shaftr needs to get over me for the sake of my own nutsack. just like i had forgotten that he existed until today.
Have you seen the movie?
Quote from: Pubricki was being sarcastic and at the same time making a final statement on the progression of hype that this film received before it opened.
u will notice that it was the last thing i said in this thread before shaftr decided to bring up an argument i was no longer defending. he has fucked shit up by addressing my comments with more seriousness than i had given them, at the time no one was making character attacks at anyone and no one was taking the trailer-discussion personally. apparently he has.
so u see, it was a fucking joke that ended more than a month ago., shaftr needs to get over me for the sake of my own nutsack. just like i had forgotten that he existed until today.
geez, pubrick. maybe you should just go die. asshole. fuckwad. dick shitter. you loopy bastard.
sorry, i didn't mean any of it. sometimes everybody on the board just has to BITCH OUT P FOR NO GOOD REASON!
Quote from: bonanzataz
sorry, i didn't mean any of it. sometimes everybody on the board just has to BITCH OUT P FOR NO GOOD REASON!
hmmm, that's odd. Why do you think that is?
Must just be bad luck.
Quote from: RaviWhile I liked the film, it was more like a collage of various scenes that, while good on their own, didn't feel connected, at least in the first part of the film. The comedy in the film is genuinely funny but it doesn't gel together into something bigger. I don't know if I can explain it further than that right now. Still, it is unique and interesting, and I enjoyed it. It just isn't a brilliant film.
This is exactly how I felt.
It kinda felt like a list of ideas he wanted in the film, but wasn't quite sure how to tie them in. I guess that's why it felt a bit awkward to me. And the music cues, which I'm positive is a tired subject now, did seem awkward (word of the day!) too. But, it's never bad to hear the Shins, so I didn't mind too much, but I see what everyone's saying.
I still enjoyed it and I'll more than likely see it again before too long.
EDIT: Speaking of the music, I'm afraid that I wouldn't know how to use music in a way that wouldn't be intrusive or distracting. I can't put my finger on why certain cues in this film are more distracting than in others.
I remember that either Kubrick said something about how music should be used or his use changed the way others used it. Anyone feel like helping me?
This movie was alright... it was worth neither negative nor possitive hype.
It's indie quirkiness only carried it so far, then it had to rely on mediocre acting and a weak screenplay.
I think he could make a really good film (maybe even great) someday, this was his first shot and you have to admire a lot of it. There were some good scenes, it's just that the good scenes didn't keep the movie together and the end was crappy.
i wanna see some of braffs work from film school. i dunno why, i just do...that is all.
This was a fairly good movie.
I don't recall this being said specifically, so I'll say it: The movie never really said anything, nor was it ever truly moving at any point.
I may have said this before for some other movie, I don't remember. Anyway, I mention those two things because the movie WAS trying to say something, and it was trying to be moving.
And yes, the music cues were bad. 10 songs that played for no more than 30 seconds--I swear one played for 10 seconds. And they added just about nothing to the movie.
The photography was distant and sterile, even towards the end when the movie was trying to be closer to the characters.
OTHER THAN those things, the movie was good. It could've been great, which is why I think we're being more critical of it, because I think we would've liked to see it actually become the masterpiece that it could have been. Braff is talented, and is the kind of person who WANTS to say important things and wants to move us, so that's good. I think it means that, as he develops as a filmmaker, he'll make better movies and is totally capable of making a great one someday.
I still think that the teaser trailer rules, though, and is a piece of art unto itself.
Quote from: matt35mmAnd yes, the music cues were bad. 10 songs that played for no more than 30 seconds--I swear one played for 10 seconds. And they added just about nothing to the movie.
What is with everyone bitching about the music cues? They didn't really draw attention to themselves (except for the Shins, of course) so I don't see why they were so bad. Not everyone can be Wes Anderson in that respect.
Quote from: matt35mmThe photography was distant and sterile, even towards the end when the movie was trying to be closer to the characters.
I think that was the point though. In the end, when Large gets back off the plane and finds Sam and says that he wants to be with her and then asks, "What do we do now?" He wants to get closer to life, to feeling, but he's been so numb for so long that he doesn't know what to do. Visually, it comes across as well. Why should we feel like they are closer to each other when they've only known each other a short time and they don't really know what they're doing? At least, that's how I see it.
Quote from: hacksparrowQuote from: matt35mmAnd yes, the music cues were bad. 10 songs that played for no more than 30 seconds--I swear one played for 10 seconds. And they added just about nothing to the movie.
What is with everyone bitching about the music cues? They didn't really draw attention to themselves (except for the Shins, of course) so I don't see why they were so bad. Not everyone can be Wes Anderson in that respect.
The truth is, as independent moviemakers, getting music rights are a total bitch and we have to kill ourselves to just get one song. Zach Braff has fairly good taste in music, with several songs that I would've loved to be able to put in a movie of mine. Because it'd be so difficult to secure even one song, when he used 10 songs for just a few seconds, I just got jealous. That's part of it. The other part is that I personally didn't feel that he let the music play long enough to establish the mood it was going for. I mean, they're great songs--let them be heard. When "Let Go" played at the end, it felt almost like a release after hearing just the buildup to so many other songs.
And perhaps there was a point in that distant, highly symmetrical photography, and I figured it was to visually show his numbness, but towards the end when the characters were getting more emotional and closer to each other, I wanted to be THERE and in the moment, but something about the photography held me back. But I realized pretty quickly that it was supposed to feel sterile at the beginning (his L.A. apartment looks more sterilized and clean than his Scrubs hospital).
But again, I totally want to make clear that this was a good movie. I'm just hung up on those little things because they could've made the movie better for me. And I agree that there were several moments that were great--that any of us would love to have in our movies. It was a good movie and worth the money, totally. And it is also worth mentioning that while it was never moving, it was always entertaining and never boring.
what do you mean they didn't draw attentions to themselves? we're all here talking about them, that's because they totally did draw attention to themselves. they were not just indie-pop; they stuck out, felt contrived, in your face, and didn't work its charm the way wes anderson and cameron crowe did. they were pretty much used the same way as the pop songs in lets say "Heartbreakers" did, they were not even on par with There's Something About Mary or My Best Friend's Wedding. Not even close. the music cues were used like any other studio teen movie aimed to sell its soundtrack, or a DMX movie even, the only similarity they had with wes' films is that the selection is similar, but not in the way they're used.
there.
Quote from: petewhat do you mean they didn't draw attentions to themselves? we're all here talking about them, that's because they totally did draw attention to themselves. they were not just indie-pop; they stuck out, felt contrived, in your face, and didn't work its charm the way wes anderson and cameron crowe did. they were pretty much used the same way as the pop songs in lets say "Heartbreakers" did, they were not even on par with There's Something About Mary or My Best Friend's Wedding. Not even close. the music cues were used like any other studio teen movie aimed to sell its soundtrack, or a DMX movie even, the only similarity they had with wes' films is that the selection is similar, but not in the way they're used.
there.
I mean that the music didn't draw
my attention when I saw it. But I imagine that if I didn't like the movie, I would feel the same way.
Like I said, the Shins thing was contrived, sure. THAT stuck out. But maybe I was paying too much attention to the movie to really be bothered by any of the other music.
And you actually
sat through Heartbreakers, pete? :shock:
This was a great film for a debut by a director. It was a little bit fragmented and the music cues seemed really planed but overall I think I am going to get this as soon as it comes onto DVD.
it came in at number 10 this past weekend. it's doing pretty good.
here's what Braff said about the DVD on his blog
DVD?
Not sure when the DVD is coming out, but we've already done all the commentaries. There's one track with me and Nat, and another with myself, the cinematographer, Larry Sher, my editor, Myron Kerstein, and my production designer, Judy Becker. There's also tons of deleted scenes and bloopers. It's gonna be a really cool DVD.
http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/gardenstate/blog/index.html
Do you want to know why I really loved this film? Probably not, but I'm going to tell you anyways.
I loved this film because it was a first film. It absolutely reeked of first film. It was full of ideas that you know have been simmering in Braff's head since the day he first thought about ever making a movie. It was personal in every sense of the word: from the music that some people thought distracting to the story to the dialogue. I like to see personal in a movie.
Granted, the film was not without its flaws. It had some continuity problems and a couple shots that borrowed a little too heavily. The dialogue was definitely preachy and overly self-important at times.
Despite these problems, I liked the film for its brilliant and touching characters and its sense of "realness". I liked that it wasn't Peter Pan peanut butter smooth. In the same way that we like the lo-fi of indie rock because it rings with more sincerity than Creed's slick, studio moaning, I like this film because it isn't perfect.
If you want to try and view this film as an appex, then it certainly falls short. But it is destructive and futile to view films out of context. This film is a beginning, and in my opinion, a damn promising one.
several of you have said the film was "too preachy" at times.
what exactly do you mean by this?
site examples please.
i remember one specific part that seemed to be trying a little too hard to be deep: when Braff and Portman are in the pool talking about home. the statement he made rang very true, but it was something about how it was drawn out. and if i'm not mistaken, the camera pulls close to his face to kind of add even more meaning.
Quote from: bigideasseveral of you have said the film was "too preachy" at times.
Well I never said that, but it does remind me of an interesting thing I wanted to point out.
Kids are so impressionable, and we all know that. But kids around here have been going around quoting lines from Garden State like it's the frikkin Bible. Well, everyone from 15 year-olds to 25 year-olds.
I wouldn't say it was too preachy, but it did distill some rather obvious (however true) things about life into neat little monologues. I know I have a tendency to do that when writing--it's hard not to do. I don't fault Braff for that too much, because I understand it. It did, however, make me realize that the movie ultimately didn't say anything, except for maybe "You've gotta grab life by the balls and live it," but that's a pretty obvious statement to make.
I dunno why I keep ragging on it, I liked it. I was entertained and never bored, like I said. Good movie, but I wince at how GODLY a lot of people think the movie is. I want to slap the people who quote Garden State to me as though the meaning of life is contained in it. It's a good movie, but I'm looking forward to Braff making better movies.
well i really really liked that. i was probably pretty demographicasized by it, though.
I think if he threw in a couple of titles at those oddly placed black screens it would've made for a better film and helped tie up a movie that otherwise lacks togetherness.
Quote from: hacksparrow
I mean that the music didn't draw my attention when I saw it. But I imagine that if I didn't like the movie, I would feel the same way.
Like I said, the Shins thing was contrived, sure. THAT stuck out. But maybe I was paying too much attention to the movie to really be bothered by any of the other music.
And you actually sat through Heartbreakers, pete? :shock:
I first saw it with my godmother, then I borrowed the DVD from another friend 'cause I really liked the Back in the USSR scene, then I forgot to return it, so I have the DVD right now.
A good, decent film. The first half is disjointed and it really doesn't start clicking until the last twenty-five minutes or so, but I can see to motivation behind it. I thought it was solidly thought out, the shots (other than the very first couple of him in his bedroom/bathroom and the paisely shirt) weren't unreasonable or destracting, the acting was really, well, surprising. I thought Peter Sarsgaard did the best work and Portman, as everyone has already said, did a great job. Braff was good too, but way outshined by his supporting cast.
I was surprised by how toned down eccentricities were in the characters. I think he separated himself hugely from Anderson and Anderson comparisons by leaving some of the quirk, but still retaining the believeability of charactes in the writing. Wes' characters are usually much larger than life.
I can see problems but the goals aspired too and met far outweigh them. I enjoyed the movie, not my favorite of the year (Before Sunset) but definitely a good experience.
Quote from: Raikus...my favorite of the year (Before Sunset)...
*High Five*
This movie was absolutely great.
The cinematography was amazing. Some of the lines were also written really well.
-----SPOILER------
I did not like the ending, however. The fact that he was leaving was beautiful. Once he finally felt something, and everything was understood, he left. The audience should've had a sense of that. A sense of accepting responsibility. But instead, we're taught to go with our hearts, the end. Also, the ending line reminded me of a knock off of Emily Watson's last line in PDL.
Other than that, great movie.
Quote from: Walrus, Kookookajoob
-----SPOILER------
.
I disagree with your thoughts on the spoiler.
Quote from: Walrus, Kookookajoob-----SPOILER------
I did not like the ending, however. The fact that he was leaving was beautiful. Once he finally felt something, and everything was understood, he left. The audience should've had a sense of that. A sense of accepting responsibility. But instead, we're taught to go with our hearts, the end. Also, the ending line reminded me of a knock off of Emily Watson's last line in PDL.
The ending reminded me of Friends, maybe because the exact same thing happened.
And I was greatly disappointed by both of them. I wish Raechel had left, I wish Largeman had left. It just seemed that it would've suited the story or the characters better, IMO. I guess it would've felt a little more open-ended to me that way. The moments they spent with their other is just piece of their life, there's more for them to find and more for them to live for. But, as it stands now, they've seemingly found all they need, their story seems over. I guess that's really all that matters in a movie and the end of a series, but it left me unsatisfied.
SPOILER
A perfect ending would have been:
a.) cut to black right after the push in on Large sitting on the plane
A more perfect ending would have been:
b.) cut to black right after the telephone booth opens and Natalie Portman looks up to see who it is.
C'mon guys. Not every movie can be Before Sunrise/Sunset.
But I do agree with the fades. Except it should have been of her crying in the phonebooth before his reveal.
i cringed a bit at the happy ending. it seemed like a studio reshoot (even though i know now it wasn't). however, i laughed harder at some of the scenes in this movie than i have in a long time(the flaming arrow scene had me on the floor). many times a directors first film feels like a bunch of seperate gag scenes that are just strung together, and this film felt that way too, but i think braff did a good job of pulling it all together.
plus, you can't beat that method man cameo
Quote from: Film Student
A: No, my best compliment for Garden State is this: I left the theatre excited at the thought of Braff making another movie.
C: How did The Shins change anyone's life? Semantics to the rescue!
Here's a newsflash: audiophiles, much like cinephiles, are prone to hyperbole. "They'll change your life" is an enthusiastic way of expressing your passion for or attachment to a particular band, film, book, etc. Rarely is anyone's life actually changed by a song... It's a whimsical statement meant as an attempt to express the scope of your love for that song. And whether or not YOU like the Shins, you must acknowledge that there are some people who do. I've met them; die-hard Shins fans exist. And that makes that moment in Garden State a legitimate, credible moment.
A. Yeah, I'm real excited to see him re-make About Schmidt for emo teens again. Whoopee.
C. Portman's character was obviously not a music moron. She owned about a zillion albums on vinyl. That moment is a) not credible because Portman would never have said a stupid thing like that if she was as knowledgeable about music as she was presented to be, b) annoying because she said it so sincerely; Portman, the actress obviously has no idea how real interaction between humans/music nerds actually happens and c) "New Slang" is nothing approaching a life-changing type song. It's a gorgeous ballad about soured love and the author's desire to go back, but it's not earth-shattering. It's not "life-changing." It doesn't comment upon the themes/narratives of the film's characters either. It's cool that Garden State/Braff decided to give The Shins such props, but it just didn't work at the cinematic/narrative/emotional/characterization level. Sorry.
It didn't work for you.
For you.
For you.
Seems to have worked perfectly fine for everyone else. And where is this audiophile memo that details how EVERY audiophile must react to certain bands/songs. Please PM it to me. I always thought it was rather subjective.
Quote from: RaikusIt didn't work for you.
For you.
For you.
Seems to have worked perfectly fine for everyone else. And where is this audiophile memo that details how EVERY audiophile must react to certain bands/songs. Please PM it to me. I always thought it was rather subjective.
You totally missed my point. Saying "This will change you life" is an idiotic cliche. We're supposed to be sold on this quirky girl who uses idiotic cliches to describe music that doesn't even warrant the cliches' sentiment?
Also: you don't have to remind us that we're dealing in opinions here. That's assumed. :roll:
Also: that other Shins song "Caring is Creepy" totally clashed with the onscreen activity as well. Again, nice that Braff/the studio is behind the Shins but at least in, say, PTA or Wes Anderson, the music "works."
you have to remember whether she's an audiophile or not, shes still a girl. so i dont think it was too ridiculous for her to say this will change your life.
Quote from: themodernage02you have to remember whether she's an audiophile or not, shes still a girl. so i dont think it was too ridiculous for her to say this will change your life.
Wait, isn't she well into her twenties, though?
Anyway, woulda been more in her "quirky" character if she'd said "This'll change your life" and then played, like, Weird Al for him or some shit. That I'd have admired. This was just lame OMG! emo-teen hyperbole.
Quote from: Mesh
A. Yeah, I'm real excited to see him re-make About Schmidt for emo teens again. Whoopee.
The shot of Braff in the empty white bedroom reminded me of Jack Nicholson sitting in the office waiting to go home.
GS is a good movie but it has its problems. I think a lot of people here are treating it with kid gloves because it is a debut film by a young filmmaker and that's what most of us are or aspire to be. I didn't watch the film keeping in mind that it isn't a studio blockbuster or even that it was a debut film. There's nothing wrong with pointing out what's wrong GS along with what's right.
Quote from: RaviQuote from: Mesh
A. Yeah, I'm real excited to see him re-make About Schmidt for emo teens again. Whoopee.
The shot of Braff in the empty white bedroom reminded me of Jack Nicholson sitting in the office waiting to go home.
Yeah, that and like, the PLOT are pretty damn About Schmidt.
1. Dude is depressed.
2. Dude's close relative dies, sending him on a far-flung and mildly hilarious "quest for self."
3. Dude meets quirky people who remind him what "life's all about."
4. Dude even sits in jacuzzis/bathtubs with women he's met. :!: Think about it: Bates = Portman. *Shudder*
4. I say "This basically sucks."
well if thats the case, then i dont think you're going to care much for Elizabethtown....
Hours after a ruinous product debut, suicidal industrial designer Drew Baylor learns of his father's sudden death. As the only son, Drew must travel to their small hometown of Elizabethtown, Kentucky to attend to his father's memorial. On the flight to Kentucky, Drew meets Claire, a quick-witted flight attendant, who helps him navigate the rough waters ahead and proves that amazing things happen when you least expect them.
Quote from: themodernage02well if thats the case, then i dont think you're going to care much for Elizabethtown....
Hours after a ruinous product debut, suicidal industrial designer Drew Baylor learns of his father's sudden death. As the only son, Drew must travel to their small hometown of Elizabethtown, Kentucky to attend to his father's memorial. On the flight to Kentucky, Drew meets Claire, a quick-witted flight attendant, who helps him navigate the rough waters ahead and proves that amazing things happen when you least expect them.
Yeah, that sounds like a load of emo crap. Is PTA directing? :wink:
Quote from: Mesh
A. Yeah, I'm real excited to see him re-make About Schmidt for emo teens again. Whoopee.
C. Portman's character was obviously not a music moron. She owned about a zillion albums on vinyl. That moment is a) not credible because Portman would never have said a stupid thing like that if she was as knowledgeable about music as she was presented to be, b) annoying because she said it so sincerely; Portman, the actress obviously has no idea how real interaction between humans/music nerds actually happens and c) "New Slang" is nothing approaching a life-changing type song. It's a gorgeous ballad about soured love and the author's desire to go back, but it's not earth-shattering. It's not "life-changing." It doesn't comment upon the themes/narratives of the film's characters either. It's cool that Garden State/Braff decided to give The Shins such props, but it just didn't work at the cinematic/narrative/emotional/characterization level. Sorry.
A: Yeah, well, that's, just like, your opinion, man.
Seriously though, how old are you? Have you ever felt displaced, have you ever felt depressed about where you are as a young adult? I mean, it's one thing to criticize the movie for being flawed (which it DEFINITELY is), but you're pretty much writing off the film, the filmmaker, and everyone who likes and/or can relate to the story. That's just a tad bit self-righteous.
B: That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Once again, I will re-iterate: What's good for you may not be good for someone else. What's life-changing for someone else may not be life-changing for YOU.
When the movie Magnolia came out, I was an eager little 16 year-old film geek who really thought that his life had been changed by that movie. I told everyone I knew, "You HAVE to see this movie, it'll blow your mind." Naturally, some of the more pretentious self-serious people I knew were totally revolted by my enthusiasm for something so "contemporary"...
They wouldn't have been happy with that statement regarding any movie except maybe in regards to the films of Lang or Keaton or (fill in the blank with hip French New Wave auteur), and even then, the enthusiasm itself is soo "naive and adolescent". Well Fuck that. I get excited about shit, so fucking sue me.
Same goes for the music thing; just because Natalie Portman's character listens to Eric Dolphy or the Jam or a-tonal jazz or whatever, doesn't mean that she can't be totally enthusiastic about something like "New Slang."
Fucking shit, people... It's nice to know the goddamned music police are on the prowl...
I'm gonna go listen to Linkin Park now.
Quote from: Film Student
A: Yeah, well, that's, just like, your opinion, man.
Seriously though, how old are you? Have you ever felt displaced, have you ever felt depressed about where you are as a young adult? I mean, it's one thing to criticize the movie for being flawed (which it DEFINITELY is), but you're pretty much writing off the film, the filmmaker, and everyone who likes and/or can relate to the story. That's just a tad bit self-righteous.
What the fuck are you talking about? I'm not doing most of those things. Garden State has its funny moments, it's even halfway well-acted and I applaud what it was trying to do but it's a ripped off piece of overambitious, over-emotional bullshit for the most part.
Quote from: Film Student
B: That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Once again, I will re-iterate: What's good for you may not be good for someone else. What's life-changing for someone else may not be life-changing for YOU.
When the movie Magnolia came out, I was an eager little 16 year-old film geek who really thought that his life had been changed by that movie. I told everyone I knew, "You HAVE to see this movie, it'll blow your mind." Naturally, some of the more pretentious self-serious people I knew were totally revolted by my enthusiasm for something so "contemporary"...
They wouldn't have been happy with that statement regarding any movie except maybe in regards to the films of Lang or Keaton or (fill in the blank with hip French New Wave auteur), and even then, the enthusiasm itself is soo "naive and adolescent". Well Fuck that. I get excited about shit, so fucking sue me.
Same goes for the music thing; just because Natalie Portman's character listens to Eric Dolphy or the Jam or a-tonal jazz or whatever, doesn't mean that she can't be totally enthusiastic about something like "New Slang."
Fucking shit, people... It's nice to know the goddamned music police are on the prowl...
I'm gonna go listen to Linkin Park now.
You are a child. Calm yourself. I am the Music Police. Realize that the song and the band are not life-changing, nor is it in Portman's character to think, and say, so. Additionally, Zach seemed intrigued by this ridiculous thing she does and says. Emo.
Not only that, it was fucking stupid that Portman flashed that famous smile just as Mercer sings "Gold teeth....." in the lyrics. Could you bash my head with it again, please?
Quote from: MeshQuote from: Film Student
A: Yeah, well, that's, just like, your opinion, man.
Seriously though, how old are you? Have you ever felt displaced, have you ever felt depressed about where you are as a young adult? I mean, it's one thing to criticize the movie for being flawed (which it DEFINITELY is), but you're pretty much writing off the film, the filmmaker, and everyone who likes and/or can relate to the story. That's just a tad bit self-righteous.
What the fuck are you talking about? I'm not doing most of those things. Garden State has its funny moments, it's even halfway well-acted and I applaud what it was trying to do but it's a ripped off piece of overambitious, over-emotional bullshit for the most part.
Quote from: Film Student
B: That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Once again, I will re-iterate: What's good for you may not be good for someone else. What's life-changing for someone else may not be life-changing for YOU.
When the movie Magnolia came out, I was an eager little 16 year-old film geek who really thought that his life had been changed by that movie. I told everyone I knew, "You HAVE to see this movie, it'll blow your mind." Naturally, some of the more pretentious self-serious people I knew were totally revolted by my enthusiasm for something so "contemporary"...
They wouldn't have been happy with that statement regarding any movie except maybe in regards to the films of Lang or Keaton or (fill in the blank with hip French New Wave auteur), and even then, the enthusiasm itself is soo "naive and adolescent". Well Fuck that. I get excited about shit, so fucking sue me.
Same goes for the music thing; just because Natalie Portman's character listens to Eric Dolphy or the Jam or a-tonal jazz or whatever, doesn't mean that she can't be totally enthusiastic about something like "New Slang."
Fucking shit, people... It's nice to know the goddamned music police are on the prowl...
I'm gonna go listen to Linkin Park now.
You are a child. Calm yourself. I am the Music Police. Realize that the song and the band are not life-changing, nor is it in Portman's character to think, and say, so. Additionally, Zach seemed intrigued by this ridiculous thing she does and says. Emo.
Not only that, it was fucking stupid that Portman flashed that famous smile just as Mercer sings "Gold teeth....." in the lyrics. Could you bash my head with it again, please?
This is my problem: you are speaking in definitive terms. Not only are you speaking in definitive terms, you are speaking in condescending, holier-than-thou, highly judgmental definitive terms.
I don't care what you say about the movie, but when you insult me or someone else in the process of speaking your opinion, I become offended. If I think the Shins are life-changing, then they are. FOR ME. If you disagree, then they aren't. FOR YOU. That's the bottom line, and that's my problem with your argument. It's fundamentally misguided, because you are assuming that your opinion on something is definitive truth, and it's not. You say you understand that we're dealing with opinions here, but your posts show no signs of that understanding.
I apologize for overreacting with the swearing and so forth, but you had to expect it with how inflamatory your posts are.
PS: What is your hangup with the "emo" thing?
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*SPOILERS*
there are some things that no one has talked about:
1. that freaky secret passage in the hotel. how would someone even think this type of place up?
2. the hot girl at the party. (who is this actress?)
3. there was something else, but the hot girl distracted my thoughts.
edit 2
4. oh, here is something else. of all the directors you're comparing Braff to, only he has starred in his film as well.
edit 3
5. now i remember #3. the song/rendition at the funeral. that was pretty hilarious.
That girl at the party had a fascinating mouth. And by that I mean it was shaped strangely.
I hate all of you right now for being able to write in this thread. Anyone want to make a donation to me... go right ahead.
Quote from: ThrindleAnyone want to make a donation to me... go right ahead.
Why us? Why not GT?
Quote from: MacGuffinQuote from: ThrindleAnyone want to make a donation to me... go right ahead.
Why us? Why not GT?
You think flying from Michigan to BC is cheap? :wink:
Good lord! You've got a time machine?
Quote from: PwaybloeGood lord! You've got a time machine?
that was so good.
Quote from: Film Student
I don't care what you say about the movie, but when you insult me or someone else in the process of speaking your opinion, I become offended. If I think the Shins are life-changing, then they are. FOR ME. If you disagree, then they aren't. FOR YOU. That's the bottom line, and that's my problem with your argument. It's fundamentally misguided, because you are assuming that your opinion on something is definitive truth, and it's not. You say you understand that we're dealing with opinions here, but your posts show no signs of that understanding.
I apologize for overreacting with the swearing and so forth, but you had to expect it with how inflamatory your posts are.
PS: What is your hangup with the "emo" thing?
Look, kid, when adults discuss their opinions re: art, they make imflammatory, definite statements and they don't waste time prefacing everything with "Now, it's only my opinion, but....." All that's assumed. This has descended into you saying "Nuh-uh" to my "Uh-huhs" but at least I, you know, have a point (Portman's utterance/enthusiasm/dorkiness seems way out of character) or two other than "This is my opinion and I'm entitled to it..." ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
I don't have a "hangup" with any "emo thing." I just don't tolerate movies that come off as the histrionic "big emotional watersheds" of a whiny TV star, which is exactly what Zach Braff is. You're in a lithium coma? Boo hoo. You can't talk to your own father? Violins, seriously. You "have to go back to your rich trust fund baby actor lifestyle in LA even though Natalie fucking Portman wants to do you 3 ways to Sunday in this near-mythically rendered Jersey full of mysterio-caves and hot girls on X"? Cry me a fucking river.
Quote from: matt35mmAnd yes, the music cues were bad. 10 songs that played for no more than 30 seconds--I swear one played for 10 seconds. And they added just about nothing to the movie.
Exact-Lee.
Good music cues: Wes Anderson puts "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" over Royal Tennenbaum and his grandsons riding garbage trucks. Fucking changed the way I love the song, forever, in a good way.
Bad music cues: Like everything in Garden State except for "Such Great Heights," which, OH MY FUCK, actually makes sense within the plot!
MILD SPOILER
I loved how the opening airplane shot was done.
Quote from: Mesh
Look, kid, when adults discuss their opinions re: art, they make imflammatory, definite statements and they don't waste time prefacing everything with "Now, it's only my opinion, but....." All that's assumed. This has descended into you saying "Nuh-uh" to my "Uh-huhs" but at least I, you know, have a point (Portman's utterance/enthusiasm/dorkiness seems way out of character) or two other than "This is my opinion and I'm entitled to it..." ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
I don't have a "hangup" with any "emo thing." I just don't tolerate movies that come off as the histrionic "big emotional watersheds" of a whiny TV star, which is exactly what Zach Braff is. You're in a lithium coma? Boo hoo. You can't talk to your own father? Violins, seriously. You "have to go back to your rich trust fund baby actor lifestyle in LA even though Natalie fucking Portman wants to do you 3 ways to Sunday in this near-mythically rendered Jersey full of mysterio-caves and hot girls on X"? Cry me a fucking river.
Look pal, there's no need to preface arguments/debates with "now this is just my opinion but blah blah blah", I'm just basically calling for some civility and mutual respect, nothing more.
This is the thing: you can state an opinion, however inflamatory it may be, with no preface. For all I care you can say "I fucking hate Garden State and Zach Braff needs to die, etc", but when someone challenges your statement (and it's gonna happen, this is a message board), you should be prepared to back it up with a reasonable argument that displays a sense of respect for the other person's opinion. There are a lot of different sensibilities and opinions found on this board, and everyone (for the most part) peacefully co-exists. It just needs to stay that way.
I completely respect the fact that a lot of this movie didn't work for you. I just wish you could respect the fact that it DID work for a lot of us.
Quote from: Film Student
This is the thing: you can state an opinion
or you can Garden State an opinion.
Quote from: Film Student
Look pal, there's no need to preface arguments/debates with "now this is just my opinion but blah blah blah", I'm just basically calling for some civility and mutual respect, nothing more.
This is the thing: you can state an opinion, however inflamatory it may be, with no preface. For all I care you can say "I fucking hate Garden State and Zach Braff needs to die, etc", but when someone challenges your statement (and it's gonna happen, this is a message board), you should be prepared to back it up with a reasonable argument that displays a sense of respect for the other person's opinion. There are a lot of different sensibilities and opinions found on this board, and everyone (for the most part) peacefully co-exists. It just needs to stay that way.
I completely respect the fact that a lot of this movie didn't work for you. I just wish you could respect the fact that it DID work for a lot of us.
You sound fucking 12 and I never disrespected anyone's opinions or oh-so-important "peaceful co-existence." I've been both civil and opinionated and NOT DULL. You've been pretty reactionary and sensitive in this thread. Maybe you should look into scoring some lithium.
But back on topic (kinda): Do you guys think the title Garden State was meant as double entendre, i.e. both Jersey's moniker and sort of a play on Large's lithium-induced "vegetative" state? That's rather clever, intentional or otherwise.
Quote from: MeshQuote from: Film Student
Look pal, there's no need to preface arguments/debates with "now this is just my opinion but blah blah blah", I'm just basically calling for some civility and mutual respect, nothing more.
This is the thing: you can state an opinion, however inflamatory it may be, with no preface. For all I care you can say "I fucking hate Garden State and Zach Braff needs to die, etc", but when someone challenges your statement (and it's gonna happen, this is a message board), you should be prepared to back it up with a reasonable argument that displays a sense of respect for the other person's opinion. There are a lot of different sensibilities and opinions found on this board, and everyone (for the most part) peacefully co-exists. It just needs to stay that way.
I completely respect the fact that a lot of this movie didn't work for you. I just wish you could respect the fact that it DID work for a lot of us.
You sound fucking 12 and I never disrespected anyone's opinions or oh-so-important "peaceful co-existence." I've been civil and opinionated and NOT DULL. You've been pretty reactionary and sensitive in this thread. Maybe you should look into scoring some lithium.
I Sound 12? I just asked for debate to remain respectful and civil.
I HAVE been reactionary and a bit sensitive, but I think now I'm being as diplomatic as I possibly can.
Seriously, Mesh, shut the fuck up... there's being funny and there's being a fuck-wit... guess which one you're being.
Again, people, if you're gonna be a dick, you had better be funny... if you're just gonna drop the same two lame insults, then don't bother, it's anoying and pointless.
Have you guys resolved anything yet?
We're sort of discussing Garden State (or trying to) right now.
Thank you.
Quote from: Film StudentQuote from: Mesh
A. Yeah, I'm real excited to see him re-make About Schmidt for emo teens again. Whoopee.
C. Portman's character was obviously not a music moron. She owned about a zillion albums on vinyl. That moment is a) not credible because Portman would never have said a stupid thing like that if she was as knowledgeable about music as she was presented to be, b) annoying because she said it so sincerely; Portman, the actress obviously has no idea how real interaction between humans/music nerds actually happens and c) "New Slang" is nothing approaching a life-changing type song. It's a gorgeous ballad about soured love and the author's desire to go back, but it's not earth-shattering. It's not "life-changing." It doesn't comment upon the themes/narratives of the film's characters either. It's cool that Garden State/Braff decided to give The Shins such props, but it just didn't work at the cinematic/narrative/emotional/characterization level. Sorry.
A: Yeah, well, that's, just like, your opinion, man.
Seriously though, how old are you?
B: That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
When I asked you how old you were, I was being completely sincere; Garden State is about twentysomethings going through a "quarter-life crisis" as Braff calls it. I was asking you how old you were because I was wondering if you fell into that age range.
If you read the rest of my post, I continued it with "Haven't you ever felt displaced, depressed with where you were as a young adult," etc.
Quote from: Film StudentWhen I asked you how old you were, I was being completely sincere; Garden State is about twentysomethings going through a "quarter-life crisis" as Braff calls it. I was asking you how old you were because I was wondering if you fell into that age range.
If you read the rest of my post, I continued it with "Haven't you ever felt displaced, depressed with where you were as a young adult," etc.
If I were going through a "quarter-life crisis" right at this very moment, that'd imply that I'll live to be 120. Sweet!
Quote from: bigideas5. now i remember #3. the song/rendition at the funeral. that was pretty hilarious.
Again, funnier than it was in any way believeable.
"Balls on forehead" was believeable and funny. Writing all over his body: not so much.
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Quote from: MeshQuote from: Film StudentWhen I asked you how old you were, I was being completely sincere; Garden State is about twentysomethings going through a "quarter-life crisis" as Braff calls it. I was asking you how old you were because I was wondering if you fell into that age range.
If you read the rest of my post, I continued it with "Haven't you ever felt displaced, depressed with where you were as a young adult," etc.
If I were going through a "quarter-life crisis" right at this very moment, that'd imply that I'll live to be 120. Sweet!
kind of old to act like such a little bitch.
Quote from: bigideasMeshQuote from: bigideas5. now i remember #3. the song/rendition at the funeral. that was pretty hilarious.
Again, funnier than it was in any way believeable.
"Balls on forehead" was believeable and funny. Writing all over his body: not so much.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
well, the Dr's wall wasn't very realistic either, but it was quite funny.
you must remember...........this is a movie. do you really think Barry Egan would run to Utah with a phone still held up to his ear?
no.
i really didn't understand the writing all over his chest when he got the cat scan(?) done. that made no sense to me.
Quote from: bigideasi really didn't understand the writing all over his chest when he got the cat scan(?) done. that made no sense to me.
Really? That was a great continuation of the joke. While he was passed out from the drugs, they not only wrote 'BALLS' on his face, but all the other graphitti on the rest of his body. He only finds out once he disrobes for the examination table.
Ba-da-dump!
I'm not rooting for anybody, but c'mon, Mesh didn't really lose that badly, he and film student both are pretty deep in the same mud.
Quote from: peteI'm not rooting for anybody, but c'mon, Mesh didn't really lose that badly, he and film student both are pretty deep in the same mud.
I think the picture is more of a declaration than an observation. Either way, we should all appreciate sickfins' melodramatic contribution.
Whoever wins, we lose.
O' my God, is that true?
'Garden' club
An alienated generation connects with Zach Braff's movie
By JORDAN LITE
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
A generation drugged out on prescription medications has found its hero, and he's turned a quiet film born without a distributor into a cultural phenomenon.
"Garden State" is taking on cult-like status among angsty, alienated young adults who feel that its 29-year-old creator, Zach Braff, is speaking to them personally. Fans of the modest-budget film, whose limited release on July 28 lacked the publicity machine and established fan base of, say, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, are pouring their hearts out to Braff on his blog, driving hours to see the film, and going back again and again to glean new meaning with like-minded peers they meet online.
The reason, fans say, is its protagonist, Andrew Largeman, played by Braff himself. "Large," a struggling Hollywood actor who returns home to New Jersey for his mother's funeral, articulates truths they don't otherwise see on film: an overmedicated generation in geographic and psychological drift, aching for connection. The word-of-mouth buzz prompted Fox Searchlight to expand its release to 652 screens last week, making it the 11th most popular movie in the country.
"It has a theme that this generation can connect to," says Nick Griffin, who drove all the way from Syracuse to New York City to see "Garden State."
Though action and romantic blockbusters like "Titanic" have had cores of repeat viewers, "Garden State's" pull is unusual for a small, independent film, says Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations, a box-office-tracking company in Los Angeles.
"There are movies that generate so much interest among moviegoers that they don't wait for the video to come out. They want to go to the theater and see it again," Dergarabedian says. "Movies like this are unique. They have an experience at the theater that they really have not had before and they want to relive that more than just once.
"In a way, you can look at it as a grassroots campaign. These fans are like little marketing foot soldiers going out there and telling other people about the movie," he adds. "If you have one person who loves that movie, there could be 10 more tickets sold just off that person's excitement. It's a very powerful thing."
"It's very unusual that people will want to pay twice to see a movie in theaters, but I think this film is especially resonant to the 20-something generation," says Nancy Utley, president of marketing for Fox Searchlight, adding that the soundtrack has hit No. 1 at Tower Records.
"Most films, even though they're about young people, are written and directed by older people and they don't always get it right."
Young fans invariably cite the film's honesty, often describing it as "real," "true," "heartfelt" and other adjectives rarely used to characterize Hollywood fantasies. They are particularly impressed by its unusual portrayal of the effects of antidepressants — which they or their friends have taken but whose emotion-numbing qualities are rarely acknowledged in the media — as the reason they keep going back for more.
"I think this is one specific person's experiences that sort of symbolize what we all feel as a whole," says Jenny Spaulding, 32, of Manhattan, who's seen it twice and who, like many fans, refers to Large as if he's a real person. "It's a very relatable film. You feel like you're watching someone's life; it doesn't feel like it was just constructed to be a movie.
"When you have a story about someone who's been numb to his life and not experienced emotions and things that he should, to have that reawakening and rebirth, it's something everyone can relate to and some people are relating to it with their own very specific instances," she adds.
Fans also cite Large's longing for home when home has never felt safe. It's an especially resonant theme for New Jerseyans who feel vindicated by Large's return to Garden State suburbia and his discovery of its gems (and by extension, Braff's mining his home state for inspiration).
"This is someone from Jersey, from a suburban area just like the one I live in," says Sharon Leff, 18, of Manalapan, N.J., who's planning to see the film for the third time this week. "It's always nice to see someone from your own state actually have such great success."
But the film, a poignant tale of isolation and connection, has a reach that extends beyond the geography of maps and into deep emotional terrain. It has struck chords with the same crowd that has sought to find the community they crave through MeetUp, Craigslist and similar Web sites, which have mushroomed in recent years.
The love-in is centered at Braff's blog (www2.foxsearchlight.com/gardenstate/blog/index.html, which he writes himself, giving fans a closer link to a movie star than usual. The gimmick is smart PR, allowing Braff to continue the conversation he started in the movie and drawing fans back for another look. The blog also affirms their own feelings and experiences in a way Hollywood rarely does.
Penny Rund of Queens went to see "Garden State" for a second time on Sunday with Ana Moreno, whom she met on a message board for the film. She'd posted a call for other fans to go back with again, in part because her own friends didn't understand why the movie elicited such strong feelings in her.
"I usually watch a movie and I might enjoy it for the time, but once it's done it's out of my head," says Rund, 28. "I'm surprised at how much of my thoughts are about 'Garden State' each day.
"I wanted to see what other people were thinking about it to see if I was crazy," she adds. "When I saw other people agreed with me, it made me feel more validated." Spurred on by Braff's posts, which mention the depression and loneliness he felt while writing the screenplay, fans are responding by the thousands with their own intimate tales of sadness and loss.
Their prophet has noticed and seems genuinely moved.
"One of the cool things about the success of 'Garden State' is that those of you out there who are feeling all these things can take comfort in the fact that there are so many people commenting on this blog (including me) that can relate," Braff writes.
"As lonely as you ever feel," he tells them, "you are not alone."
Originally published on August 25, 2004
Quote from: RaikusQuote from: bigideasi really didn't understand the writing all over his chest when he got the cat scan(?) done. that made no sense to me.
Really? That was a great continuation of the joke. While he was passed out from the drugs, they not only wrote 'BALLS' on his face, but all the other graphitti on the rest of his body. He only finds out once he disrobes for the examination table.
Ba-da-dump!
ok, thanks. that makes total sense. i just didn't connect it. i guess the odd wall in the Dr's office disoriented me a bit, so i just thought there were some perverse Cat Scan techs or something. anyway, now i feel dumb.
Quote from: bigideas
you must remember...........this is a movie.
Thanks for the recap. :roll:
Quote from: bigideas
do you really think Barry Egan would run to Utah with a phone still held up to his ear?
no.
Cartoonish. Popeye-esque. Strictures of realism need not be applied to a film so obviously about caricature. Next.
Quote from: peteI'm not rooting for anybody, but c'mon, Mesh didn't really lose that badly, he and film student both are pretty deep in the same mud.
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I piss people off here. It's like my job or something.
Quote from: peteI'm not rooting for anybody, but c'mon, Mesh didn't really lose that badly, he and film student both are pretty deep in the same mud.
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I piss people off here. It's like my job or something.
you're out of a job if you continue being a wise ass here.
Quote from: Film Student's quoted article wrote"Garden State" is taking on cult-like status among angsty, alienated young adults who feel that its 29-year-old creator, Zach Braff, is speaking to them personally. Fans of the modest-budget film....are pouring their hearts out to Braff on his blog, driving hours to see the film, and going back again and again to glean new meaning with like-minded peers they meet online.
Give me a break. Do you not see the emo-rock dork parallels here? I'm sickened.
Last night, I was bowling and I go "Hey, is that Zach Braff over there? What's he doing here?" and this Urban Outfitters clone girl from Michigan I was bowling with stands, eyes bugging out and is like 'Where, where! Ohmygod....!" I'm like, "Uh, I was kidding." She goes "If you had said anyone else, I probably wouldn't have freaked." I mean, who is this guy, The fucking Beatles? :roll:
Quote from: Zach Braff"As lonely as you ever feel," he tells them, "you are not alone."
That this came out of the mouth of a guy my age is an embarrassment.
time once again for a magical
out-of-context-quotationQuote from: Mesh
That this came out of the mouth of a guy my age is an embarrassment.
Let's not throw around words like "embarrasment" just yet. Zach Braff is young and this was his first feature film. Even with the all the positive response for this okay film he will hopefully improve with subsequent films.
Mesh, what were you doing with an Urban Outfitters clone?
Quote from: Ravi
Mesh, what were you doing with an Urban Outfitters clone?
She was the weekend-visiting cousin of the girl I actually want, a super-cute photographer who rips Garden State with me and is currently borrowing my soundtrack to PDL.
:infinity:
Quote from: MeshQuote from: Ravi
Mesh, what were you doing with an Urban Outfitters clone?
She was the weekend-visiting cousin of the girl I actually want, a super-cute photographer who rips Garden State with me and is currently borrowing my soundtrack to PDL.
:infinity:
Good luck, that's HOT!
Quote from: Mesh
I piss people off here. It's like my job or something.
oh haha, now I get it. you're like one of those guys who thinks he's a lot funnier than he is, and thinks the people who don't laugh at his jokes are "pissed off" at him for saying what he means. Sorry to break it to ya man, but we already got one Pubrick.
no, i don't think mesh is like that at all.
no one is laughing at anything he says, he's just being a jerk cos he hates his life and what he's become.
anyway, just thought i'd chime in since i was mentioned, sup pete, let's do opium sumtime.
If that's true Pube, then Mesh has a new reason to live: The Sexy Photographer Who Borrowed PDL.
Seriously.
I finally saw this film. Believe me it wasn't easy. Actually had to switch up rolls of change for bills. I hit a new form of loserdom with that one.
I have not read this thread... so I don't know if anything is being repeated...
I liked the movie, but I found Natalie Portman to be annoying. At one point I was trying to pinpoint her age. Was she trying to seem like a ritalin fiending thirteen year old? Hmm...
Other than that though... it was enjoyable. I guess I identified with the numb feeling that comes with being on "happy pills". Basically, I think Braff pinpointed a feeling that a lot of us 20 somethings are going through. That lost feeling. He portrayed it perfectly with his friends.
Oh, and that whole Knight Scene with the mom... it was great. Anyone on here speak Klingon? (I laughed my ass off).
Quote from: Pubrickno, i don't think mesh is like that at all.
no one is laughing at anything he says, he's just being a jerk cos he hates his life and what he's become.
anyway, just thought i'd chime in since i was mentioned, sup pete, let's do opium sumtime.
only if you lose some weight first.
Quote from: peteQuote from: Mesh
I piss people off here. It's like my job or something.
oh haha, now I get it. you're like one of those guys who thinks he's a lot funnier than he is, and thinks the people who don't laugh at his jokes are "pissed off" at him for saying what he means. Sorry to break it to ya man, but we already got one Pubrick.
Remember that one part where he's holding his jock and he can't swim?
Hahahahahhahahhwhshahhwhhah.
edit: he, like, doggy paddles. Dude, get off the lithium, bro.....
Quote from: Pubrickno one is laughing at anything he says, he's just being a jerk cos he hates his life and what he's become.
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Nice play, Poobrick.
************************
Something about that scene where the kids are sitting around the fireplace drinking cans of beer reminded me of Citizen Kane..... The huge, cavernous room did it, I think.
settle down everyone, all of you are acting like a bunch of bitches except mesh.
Quote from: Stefensettle down everyone, all of you are acting like a bunch of bitches except mesh.
Somebody please respond to this. Start with "That's like saying..." and abruptly compare Mesh to Hitler.
So I saw this last Thursday and forgot to say what I thought. I liked it overall and enjoyed it. As it got closer and closer to the end the writing and it itself started becoming less realistic. I'm still cool with it.For some reason I really loved Portman or her character...something about her put a nice big smile on my face as I left the theater. Anyways, back to intelligent discussion...
By the way, 1000th post.
Quote from: Chest RockwellAnyways, back to intelligent discussion...
By the way, 1000th post.
Nice joke for your 1000th post.
*hums "Chariots of Fire"*
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Forget the Mesh/Hitler idea... somebody post an overused, unfunny, tasteless picture.
Rowr. Retract those claws.
sorry for the double-up. i was surprised when i didn't see a thread about this movie, but it was my own error.
i first saw the trailor when i saw eternal sunshine but didn't think i'd see it in theaters until a few friends recommended it to me.
Wrong thread, Reinhold, we aren't discussing Garden State in this one anymore.
Quote from: Walrus, KookookajoobWrong thread, Reinhold, we aren't discussing Garden State in this one anymore.
Last I checked we were over that stuff, unless you aren't for some reason. Did it even involve you? Oh yea, it didn't.
Right thread, Reinhold. Even if you don't like clicking the Search function, at the very least, consult the forum's first page.
Why are you trying to provoke something again?
Let it die, firestarter.
only you can prevent forest fires.
Quote from: peteonly you can prevent forest fires.
i really don't understand you.
Quote from: ©bradi really don't understand you.
I'll break it down for you:
Quote from: Walrus, KookookajoobLet it die, firestarter.
Quote from: peteonly you can prevent forest fires.
oh, i get it.
so, uh...I'm glad we saw this over Vanity Fair.
also, that Zack dude looks like Jack Tripper.
Quote from: Hedwig
That "retard" picture is so...Lindsay Lohan.
OMG...retards r so h0tt!!1
Quote from: Walrus, KookookajoobQuote from: Hedwig
That "retard" picture is so...Chelsea Clinton.
OMG...retards r so h0tt!!1
Hehe. Interesting.
I know it's early, but I'm curious when this is dropping onto DVD.
I'd pick it up, but I'm sure I'll have ot wait forever for it.
Quote from: Walrus, KookookajoobI know it's early, but I'm curious when this is dropping onto DVD.
I'd pick it up, but I'm sure I'll have ot wait forever for it.
Here you go walrus...
Purchase Using:Title: Garden State
Starring: Natalie Portman
Released: 28th December 2004
SRP: $29.98
Further Details
Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced Garden State which stars Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard and Ian Holm. The comedy (which is also directed by Zach Braff) will be available to own from the 28th December this year. Retail will be set at around $29.98. As well as a lovely anamorphic widescreen transfer and English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, the disc will include an audio commentary with Writer/Director/Actor Zach Braff and Actor Natalie Portman, a second commentary with Zach Braff along with Director of Photography Lawrence Sher, Editor Myron Kerstein and Production Designer Judy Becker and sixteen deleted scenes with optional director commentary. Completing the package will be a Making of Garden State featurettes, outtakes and a soundtrack promo spot. We'll bring you the artwork shortly.
16 deleted scenes??????
goodness.
I liked the writing better than the movie. The problem for me was that it was always blatently obvious what picture the movie was painting. The film never delved into the story to provoke character mystery the way a Punch-Drunk Love did. I love the dialogue, many of the scenes, but yet for the movie I felt it was trying to be, an honest film of emotion, I never thought it got there they way it could be. The dialogue felt richer than the composition of character and for a serious attempt, that doesn't mean much to me. Too much of an introductory-to-film-school film.
I was waiting for Meg Ryan to pop out at the ending.
Quote from: mattress manI was waiting for Meg Ryan to pop out at the ending.
Yeah, the ending was a bit iffy, but that's why I liked it so much, I think. We've all gone through that phase were we'd make films or videos with 'What the fuck?' endings (at least I hope so). I find the film has more of an appeal to me personally BECAUSE it has a film school after taste. You don't get that too often, so its ok.
Plus Natalie Portman is hot.
Ghostboy,
i've being looking at your reviews on your website.
in the Garden State review you mention this - "the camera crossing the 180 degree line" as a problem.
could you explain to me what this means please?
The line of continuity. There are a million websites that explain it.
basically:
\/ (person)
|
| <- line (don't cut to something across it unless...)
|
|
/\ (person)
(yes, I'm quite aware this doesn't help)
Quote from: RegularKarate(yes, I'm quite aware this doesn't help)
But this does:
http://www.mavart.com/1997-05-12-crossing-the-line
thanks.
i didn't know there was a rule per se, but there have been times when watching a movie where i've been disoriented in this way. it's been too long since i've seen Garden State to remember the particular scenes.
i know of a commercial that has given me this feeling lately:
the new Britney Spears Curious perfume one.
throughtout the commercial i believe Britney is on the left and the guy on the right. in the final shot this is switched and i thought it kind of odd. now i know why.
The DVD cover art is disgusting:
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so is the movie.
so is your mother.
your mom's box is filled with whale lard. honey honeying her hole is like chowing down twinkies.
come again? i wasn't paying attention. your mom is here and she's too busy luvin' me lonngg time.
Quote from: Cinephilecome again?
Quote from: Cinephilecome again?
Quote from: Cinephilecome again?
Quote from: Cinephilecome again?
pete hate galden state.
pete hate galden state.
pete hate galden state.
pete hate galden state.
The cover should have been Zach and Natalie standing in the airport.
Quote from: RaviThe cover should have been Zach and Natalie standing in the airport.
yeah, the poster kind of sucked too and that image was sort of the best of the promotional stuff i think. the dvd art is truly hideous. not jersey girl bad, but pretty bad.
right now, garden state is the quickest way into a girl's pants.
How would you know?
He's wearing a pair right now.
70% of people who saw Garden State become crossdressers.
Quote from: Withnail & GarfunkelHe's wearing a pair right now.
70% of people who saw Garden State become crossdressers.
genius
damn, that cover art is phuckign awful. it makes you not want to buy that thing. i have a bad feeling about this film now. i really hope that one of the more poignant scenes is not the one with portman and barf on that scooter from the cover...
Quote from: RaviThe cover should have been Zach and Natalie standing in the airport.
Or Natalie stark naked.
...On a serious note, but not quite as sincere, I think the cover for this is a little crappy, as well. I enjoyed the movie, and there were so many scenes to put on the DVD... I mean, maybe the DVd would be covered in that print that his shirt was made out of that blended in with the wall or something. That would have been cool. But no.
SHAFTR didn't answer my fucking question.
Quote from: Withnail & GarfunkelHe's wearing a pair right now.
70% of people who saw Garden State become crossdressers.
clap clap clap clap.
but enough about what I gave Cinephile's mom, withnail, that was a GOOD one.
Why did you give her crap
it's call a cleveland steamer.
Quote from: peteit's call a cleveland steamer.
Which brings us full circle back to SHAFTR.
"it's call a cleveland steamer"?!?!
wow my English is terrible. sorry I meant to say
"it call a cleveland steamer." so solly.
Zach Braff and the Shins guest on Jimmy Kimmel Friday night.
I think I read this entire thread. Man, this movie really got a hard time here. I enjoyed it but I didn't find it moving or anything mindblowing. I think Sam is like Clementine except that she's not self-destructive like Clementine. And I am confused about the necklace as well - can anyone clarify if Sarsgaard's character sold it and bought it back again?
Yes, I always thought that he sold it, hunted it down, and bought it back.
I believe that is correct.
Wow, they really airbrushed the two good on the DVD cover. Natalie doesn't even have her lil dots anymore.
ok no wonder he said "i have to track it down"
A bit late I know...
The film is sweet and funny.
The best moment in the film is when they're saying goodbye on the steps. There's alot of truth in that moment. Zach and (especially) Natalie nailed it.
of all things for the dvd not to have:
the infamous teaster trailer
or any trailer for that matter.
Aw that sucks! The teaser was definitely the best part of the whole Garden State deal, not that the movie was terrible or anything, but MAN!
Are there any plans for an SE on this?
Quote from: SHAFTRright now, garden state is the quickest way into a girl's pants.
That about sums it up.
I thought it was a really good movie though. It's a little rushed in parts and could be longer honestly, but overall I thought it was excellent.
I think the ending works but it feels a little rushed and average.
Quote from: RaikusAre there any plans for an SE on this?
There's already a commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers, and a Making Of.
i saw it last night and didn't think it was THAT great. the writing wasn't bad, but i wish braff hadn't directed the movie as well. the way it was made doesn't feel consistent with the tone of the story. i don't know. i liked parts. i liked portman. she was the only really good thing about the movie.
Quote from: MacGuffinQuote from: RaikusAre there any plans for an SE on this?
There's already a commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers, and a Making Of.
I'm selfish. Where's my "Camera Obscura: The Secret Lives of Peephole Voyeurs" and "WETA's Making of a Giant Hole" docs?
refresh my memory. What was so neato about it?
Quote from: POZERrefresh my memory. What was so neato about it?
its got that cutie from scrubs.........oh, i could nibble on him like corn on the cob
I bought this, watched it again and it wasn't as good as I thought. The dialouge is quite annoying in spots. And Natalie too, who I thought I thought was good when I saw it before.
What the hell's going on here?
I must admit I was underwhelmed and disappointed by this film. After all the hype(outside of here) that I heard about it, I expected it to be some profound journey from a guy in lithium-induced comatose.. Instead, I saw a movie where there was much superficiality and little in the way of substance.
There were too many unnecessary scenes which tried to underscore the emptiness but which should have been obvious. I would have liked to see much more character development and a little more story, rather that just a series of incidents over a few days.
I enjoyed some of the writing but it was taken away from by the editing which left me feeling cheated and somewhat confused. There were some moments which hit me, like the scene where Largeman describes how he paralyzed his mother. I think this movie might have benefited from a different director/editor to weave the story better along. Also, there were way too many cliches, ie, the ending, drug scene. Who didn't know he was going to comeback to her?
In summation, it was nice film that didn't do big things.
I enjoyed the 'making of' on the DVD. Definitely better than most you see these days. Overall, the DVD was pretty decent. I would have expected more of a barebones, for some reason, so I'm happy it had something worth watching.
Out of fairness, I decided to see this movie again because of all the acclaim since I saw it at the film festival. I pretty much hated it when I first saw it, but I think it's pretty decent now. Braff made a few changes in the movie since I first saw it (and they were for the better). The dialogue is still a little pretentious (particularly in the scene with the ark and the final scene). Plus I still think there's not a single normal character throughout the whole movie with the exception of the lead and his drug friend. But it is pretty artistic and enjoyable nonetheless.
That "I'll Stab You" audition deleted scene was hilarious.
That woman said "Now we're taking auditions for the "Bitch, I'll cut you" scene." and then that guy next to Zack Braff saying the words to himself and making stabbing motions, very focused.
Total classic.
i finally watched this again.
it turned out that i only got to watch half of it the other day and the rest tonight.
it's almost like two movies really.
if you watch it almost literally in half, starting after Sam buries the hamster, it's a different feeling.
to me, a lot of the contrived feeling dialogue is at the beginning. my favorite parts in the beginning are the doctor's wall, the shirt wallpaper and the overhead shot and reaction when the guy shoots the flaming arrow in the air. i guess this means i love brief visual comedy.
to me the profanity in this movie really doesn't even seem like it would come out of the character's mouths.
in the second half Natalie/Sam doesn't use the lisp or whatever, speech impedement, as much, so that is a plus to me. i didn't really understand it's intention unless Braff had a certain female the character was based on or if Portman just used it to inhabit the character.
did anyone else notice how a door is opened at the end of the final shot and it frames them in light? nice touch.
Quote from: bigideas
to me the profanity in this movie really doesn't even seem like it would come out of the character's mouths.
I felt the same way, but it couldn't get the R rating if it didn't.
Therefore, fewer people would see the movie.
Quote from: Walrus, KookookajoobQuote from: bigideas
to me the profanity in this movie really doesn't even seem like it would come out of the character's mouths.
I felt the same way, but it couldn't get the R rating if it didn't.
Therefore, fewer people would see the movie.
you don't think the hotel scene and drug scene would be sufficient?
why do you think fewer people would see it?
that opens up 13-18 yr olds.
Are you telling me the Hotel scene was important?
I suppose the drug scene was a bit too "cutting edge" for PG-13, and I really doubt Zack Braff wanted to have his movie be considered a teenagers hit of the summer, so to cloak the fact that it's called Garden State and stars Natalie Portman, he tossed in some content that would garner it an R rating.
no, although i do like Method Man's 'titty' line.
your theory could be correct, but i still don't understand why you would want to alienate potential customers. the more money you make, the more chance you get of making your next project and getting even more control. if i ever get the chance to make films i hope i don't adjust things to include or alienate viewers.
Quote from: bigideasdid anyone else notice how a door is opened at the end of the final shot and it frames them in light? nice touch.
i briefly listened to some spots in the commentary w/ braff and portman and he said that that part was an accident. some dude opened the door in the back and the light just happened to form a box around them. maybe it was just during that one take or maybe he noticed it and did the other takes like that. i don't really know.
i split up the movie down the middle, i think right after they buried the hamster, and i didn't really notice it at the time b/c i wasn't familiar with the movie, but i think doing that made me appreciate it more than i would have. i really think the movie would have been improved with a more capable director, but as a first time feature this isn't bad. i just wish it was more.
wow, i'm touched.
i didn't think anyone actual read my posts except to look for redirecting opportunities.
i haven't had the chance to listen to the commentaries yet.
843 must be your lucky number. Post on brotha.
i actaully saw this.
i actaully liked it.
i actallu think the dialogiue was cheesy and tried to hard
i actually liked the song at the end
i actually knew a girl that acted liked portman's character
i actually saw this while drinking bud light
i actaully saw this on my new flat screen tv
i acatlluy liked the cinematography of the film
i actually think the opening scene is brilliant [light/vibe, etc]
i actaully still think braff is ray romano's son
i actually think that this film appears to people around the AGES OF 16-19
i actually think that if braff could refrain from writing ghey, pseudo-fake teen angst dialogue and started writing "real" dialogue i think he can be a contenda
i actually think peter sarsgaard is brilliant and should play a drug addict in his next film..hes neato
i actually like the sex in the hotel scene
i actaully dont like method man it was cheesy to put him in their..but scrubs is cheesy so.........all is forgiven
I can't believe you actually died
SPOILERS
Wasn't too sure about the ending, but I loved everything about how this movie made me feel.
The whole "gets on a plane and then realizes he made a big mistake and runs back to the girl" thing is a little cliche. Not sure how else to end a sequence like that though. Maybe just have a conversation with her about how damaged he is and how much work he still has ahead of him, but leave out the whole plane/Natalie Portman bawling her eyes out stuff.
Wish we knew a little bit more about Natalie Portman's character. The script could have been longer and an additional 20 minutes of concurrent (along side Braff's finding out about his mother) background for her character would have been really cool. Hmm. Not sure if it would work, but Portman doesn't even make her appearance until what, 20 minutes into the movie? Braff essentially made her plot point #1 instead of introducing us to her sooner.
Thoughts?
i've listened halfway through the Braff/Portman commentary and she brings up something about him writing a movie about skateboarding or surfing, but apparently he was hired to write the script.......i guess adapting someone's story or idea.
Quote from: MyxomatosisSPOILERS
Not sure how else to end a sequence like that though. Maybe just have a conversation with her about how damaged he is and how much work he still has ahead of him, but leave out the whole plane/Natalie Portman bawling her eyes out stuff.
Quote from: GhostboySPOILER
A perfect ending would have been:
a.) cut to black right after the push in on Large sitting on the plane
A more perfect ending would have been:
b.) cut to black right after the telephone booth opens and Natalie Portman looks up to see who it is.
cut to black right after the opening credits.
Lots of people at xixax hate this movie but it's only 30 replies behind Lost in Translation, which people here seem to love. What's up with that?
Since when did xixaxers stop posting about what they dislike?
I don't think most of us HATE it. It was just a let down after that awesome teaser. Additionally, since then, the movie has been a bit of a faux artsy indie movie for high school/college kids. That invades on our territory. At least that's a little bit of how I feel.
The soundtrack fueled its popularity, because, while I think the songs on there are great, it essentially amounts to the ultimate in hipster mix-CDs. The problem is, for all that great music, I thought it was used horribly in the movie. That's the first thing that struck me while watching it. But most of the fans don't really care about that, or have a sense that the music hardly ever fits the scene, and that it's just abruptly laid on and faded out each time.
The movie would ultimately be forgettable (as in, I would've literally forgotten what this movie was after a month) if it weren't for the hipsters that keep bringing it up to me. I'm known as "The Movie Guy" at my school, because, well, I know the most about movies at the school (that's not a difficult position to get at my school). As in, I'm supposed to like all the independent, artsy movies. So people ask me if I've seen Garden State and what I thought of it, I say yeah and it was so-so, and their reaction is, "What? I thought you were The Movie Guy!"
"Uh, yeah, I am."
Then again, I've had the same thing happen with Napoleon Dynamite and The Boondock Saints.
I think a lot of us would've just said this movie was so-so and move on if it weren't so popular. Additionally, the teaser gave high hopes and the movie had a lot of potential; it just didn't cash in on all of it. A lot of people here are just interested in analyzing what may have went wrong.
We've all got that friend with horrible taste in movies don't we? It's cool to be a film buff and snub a movie like Garden State because of that friend who loved it, but also thought Troy was the best movie of the year.
I think that's why Magnolia has such a following, in addition to being a great film. It's not really accessible to the general movie going public. It's a private and very personal film for many and it would piss us all off if that same Troy loving film fan said he loved it too.
"Fuck off! You aren't allowed to like it."
Uh oh...
I have to see Garden State because a best friend of mine has gone on and on about how much he loves it. Are y'all telling me it sucks?
2LB
No, it doesn't suck. It's just not as good as your friend says.
Quote from: matt35mmNo, it doesn't suck. It's just not as good as your friend says.
Oh, good. And thanks for the warning... I'll rent it or something and not buy it.
2LB
SPOILER
Was it just me, or did the movie seem trite in some spots? The whole yelling into the endless abyss thing seemed way too obvious, as did Braff's return to Portman in the end.
The music in this reminded me of Vanilla Sky. Never really fit the scene too well, but it was a good song.
I have to agree it was a great debut film, though. It shows room for improvement. Of course, it was no Blood Simple or Hard Eight, but it showed Braff knew some things about timing. Of course, there's a possibility that he had nothing to do with the awesomeness of the movie, which I really hope is not the case.
So just like we all know (or feel like we are) Joel from Eternal Sunshine, do we all know a girl like Natalie Portman from Garden State? I know a girl who's exactly like her to a T (which is funny, since she's all about some 'individuality' crap) but it seems a lot of people can relate her to someone they know.
The movie was awesome....for about 10 minutes. Once Portman shows up it turns into wack lovey dovey crap. The movie is all about sex, doing x and hooking up with underage girls, motherfucking, bestiality in doctors offices, then Sam shows up and all that changes, and all of a sudden it's about finding yourself and loving epileptics. Pshh, count me out.
Quote from: WalrusI have to agree it was a great debut film, though. It shows room for improvement.
Definetly. It has that "Donnie Darko" feel to it. There are many, many holes in Donnie Darko, but overall you can see a director who has some talent. I'm sure Braff will figure it out a bit more and hopefully his next movie will be a little more understated and not quite so full of cliche and so forth. I still enjoyed it though, and bought the DVD.
Quote from: Two Lane BlacktopI have to see Garden State because a best friend of mine has gone on and on about how much he loves it. Are y'all telling me it sucks?
Quote from: Two Lane BlacktopQuote from: matt35mmNo, it doesn't suck. It's just not as good as your friend says.
Oh, good. And thanks for the warning... I'll rent it or something and not buy it.
2LB
matt35 isn't speaking for everyone. Watch and see for yourself. Don't listen to anyone. Make up your own mind. Your friend found a connection with the film, you may too.
Quote from: Two Lane BlacktopQuote from: matt35mmNo, it doesn't suck. It's just not as good as your friend says.
Oh, good. And thanks for the warning... I'll rent it or something and not buy it.
2LB
Quote from: MacGuffinmatt35 isn't speaking for everyone. Watch and see for yourself. Don't listen to anyone. Make up your own mind. Your friend found a connection with the film, you may too.
True enough, and once I've seen it, I will definitely have my own opinion of it. I just took Matt's comment as more of a "proceed with caution" warning, which I appreciate, since I usually buy rather than rent DVDs.
2LB
I think we can all agree that you should rent it before you buy it.
Yeah, don't just take my word or anybody else's word for it. Plus what I said was that it doesn't suck, and that it's just not as good as your friend says (in my opinion). I would never say to not watch it. It's most definitely worth your time. Watch it.
Quote from: Two Lane BlacktopI just took Matt's comment as more of a "proceed with caution" warning, which I appreciate, since I usually buy rather than rent DVDs.
2LB
I blind bought it. I don't regret it. I wasn't all hyped up the teaser trailer.
Quote from: MacGuffinQuote from: Two Lane BlacktopI just took Matt's comment as more of a "proceed with caution" warning, which I appreciate, since I usually buy rather than rent DVDs.
2LB
I blind bought it. I don't regret it. I wasn't all hyped up the teaser trailer.
That doesn't hold much weight though, cause you are lucky and buy everything.
Quote from: StefenQuote from: MacGuffinQuote from: Two Lane BlacktopI just took Matt's comment as more of a "proceed with caution" warning, which I appreciate, since I usually buy rather than rent DVDs.
2LB
I blind bought it. I don't regret it. I wasn't all hyped up the teaser trailer.
That doesn't hold much weight though, cause you are lucky and buy everything.
Stefen, your avatar is a shoe. Just an FYI..
Quote from: MyxomatosisQuote from: StefenQuote from: MacGuffinQuote from: Two Lane BlacktopI just took Matt's comment as more of a "proceed with caution" warning, which I appreciate, since I usually buy rather than rent DVDs.
2LB
I blind bought it. I don't regret it. I wasn't all hyped up the teaser trailer.
That doesn't hold much weight though, cause you are lucky and buy everything.
Stefen, your avatar is a shoe. Just an FYI..
Yeah, and a shoe holds lots of weight. Also, it's not a shoe, it's a loafer.
For those of you that actually care (and I'm not sure this has been posted before):
from Braff's BLOG (http://gardenstate.typepad.com/):
Recasting "The Last Kiss". This is the film I'm going to act in this spring. As some of you may know, Rachel McAdams was going to play the female lead, but she was unable to work out her schedule, so the part is now going to be played by Jacinda Barrett. (An amazing actress.)
Doing voices for "Chicken Little" the new Disney movie coming out in November.
Writing "Andrew Henry's Meadow". This is an adaptation of a children's book that my brother Adam and I are writing for Twentieth Century Fox.
Working on "Arrested Development". I'm going to be shooting a small part on my second favorite TV comedy on Monday.
And he also goes on to tell you how to write a good indie film (sort of).
adapting childrens books is the new hip thing to do.
and it seems like EVERYONE wants to get in on the AD.
Quote from: ranemaka13And he also goes on to tell you how to write a good indie film (sort of).
well, if he really knows the secret perhaps he should actually write a good one next time.
Quote from: themodernage02and it seems like EVERYONE wants to get in on the AD.
it needs the help.
I'm waiting for the Alanis episode
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Zach Braff is definitely no scrub when its come to writing and directing movies. His directorial debut is Garden State and it’s a highly personal tale.
When Andrew Largeman [Zach Braff] returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral, he reconnects with old friends and now he’s gone off his depression medication. A chance meeting with Sam [Natalie Portman], who also suffering from various maladies, opens his world to the possibility of rekindling emotional attachments, confronting his psychologist father, and perhaps beginning a new life.
Daniel Robert Epstein: How much did you draw from your own life for this film?
Zach Braff: I’d say lots. As far as what’s all real and what’s not, I’d say about 75 percent of it is stuff that definitely happened, it just didn’t necessarily happen to me. It’s a collection of stories, things that I read about, things that someone would tell me late at night and I’d write it down on a matchbook. I come from a family of storytellers. We sit around the table and just try and crack each other up telling funny stories and so when I sat down to write this, it was an amalgamation of all the different things I had been collecting.
DRE: Can you draw out one story that is a personal story for you?
ZB: There are all kinds of degrees. I’ll give you an example, the story where I was a waiter in the restaurant is almost verbatim a conversation I had working as a waiter in a restaurant. In the movie the guy shoots an arrow in the air. I had a buddy who thought that was the funniest thing in the world and he would do that, just launch an arrow in the air and make us all run around. We’d be terrified and he would cackle the whole time. I used to hang out in the huge empty quarry where we actually shot. We added the abyss part digitally, but we used to all go out and hang out there and it was the last undeveloped land in the town of South Orange, just like it is in the movie. Actually now it’s aluminum-sided condos.
DRE: What about the medication?
ZB: I was not on medication, but I’ve been in some really depressed periods of my life where I definitely could have used it. A lot of the stuff that the character is going through was stuff that I went through in my 20’s and I’m still going through because I’m 29 now. There are these girls who wrote a book called “The Quarter Life Crisis” which I didn’t read, but I think that the title is so appropriate. Post-college people are getting married later and later now. They get married in their early 30’s now instead of their early 20’s and there is this period of self-exploration and, for me, a lost loneliness.
DRE: In Hollywood it seems that if a character in a movie does drugs or smokes, he is considered a bad character and this film doesn’t judge people like that.
ZB: I just felt like my generation or at least the circles I’m in, that’s sort of what old people think. I’m never in a room where if a joint were to go by, I’d be surprised. Even with adults. It’s just silly to me that what you said is often the case. One of the themes of the movie is that drugs are a part of our life, not just illegal drugs, but pharmaceuticals. When I would go home, I could remember thinking, “Wow. This is like “Brave New World.” Everyone had their drug that makes them right. Whether it be an illegal drug or a mental-health pharmaceutical or large doses of Advil. Whatever it is. Everyone was taking something and so I thought that was sort of a symptom of being in this day and age.
DRE: What do you have that makes you right’?
ZB: Heroin. No, I don’t really have anything. Writing actually is something that is really cathartic for me. Beating the shit out of things with baseball bats is also healthy. But I steer away from anything that is too addictive.
DRE: Where does this late 20’s malaise come from for you?
ZB: Well, I was a waiter three years ago so my success is very recent and even financial and career success doesn’t necessarily kill a good malaise. That’s one of the hard things about becoming successful in a way because you can’t tell most people you’re depressed because if you tell people they’ll go "Fuck you buddy. Things are going great for you." So you have to keep it to yourself and your family. They’re the only people that will listen. The movie is not really about this time in my life but when I was 23 to about 27.
DRE: Natalie Portman is so selective about the films she takes, was it difficult to get her to star in this movie with you?
ZB: Well, I was surprised that she said yes. I never imagined that she was going to. We would say at meetings, “Someone like Natalie Portman. Like a Natalie Portman kind of girl.” We’d make a list of people we thought were like Natalie Portman and we’d sit around and debate the different actresses that could be a good Natalie Portman. Then I wrote her a letter and then we met and had lunch and all of a sudden on the way home from lunch, she called her agent and said, “Yeah, I’ll do it.” We were all like, “What?” We were in shock.
DRE: That was the first time you met her?
ZB: Yeah, I’d never met her before in my life. We’d both done plays at the Delacourte Theatre in Central Park and I was actually doing Twelfth Night when I wrote her my letter. I thought that was an angle we could relate to. It is really a testament to her because she was incredibly trusting of me. When very few people were willing to take a risk on me she did.
DRE: Why did you want Natalie so badly?
ZB: I think there are a lot of actresses in Hollywood that are beautiful and a handful who are good actresses. There’s a smaller group that are both, and of the group that are both, there are a few that have that X factor thing where you’re like, “I can’t take my eyes off this person. What is it about her?” It’s like this charisma, this energy, this special thing that’s very rare and she has it. I always saw that and I could always see that even when she was in things where I wasn’t a fan of the movie per say, I could see that thing that she had poking through. I think it’s rare to find someone that has that. It’s exciting when you do.
DRE: Who were your guardian angels when it came to getting this made?
ZB: Gary Gilbert. Everyone in Hollywood passed on the movie, even when I had Natalie and myself with Danny DeVito producing. We couldn’t find financing anywhere because it was taking a risk. The movie does not have a traditional, three-act structure. I couldn’t really find anyone who was willing to take a risk until I ran into Gary Gilbert who was a self-made wealthy person and looking to get into film financing.
DRE: I found the movie to be very much about the modern Jewish, suburban experience. I was wondering how being Jewish informed your life and this movie?
ZB: My experience of growing up in Jewish suburbia was not one really of going to temple or being religious. But instead the religion informed the culture and informed the humor and informed the types of movies we watched. But it was never really about my connection to God or a higher power. I never got really anything from Temple and I think that’s one of things I address in the movie when Natalie’s character jokingly says, “Wow, you’re really Jewish” and I’m like, “Well, I guess I’m Jewish. I don’t really do anything Jewish. I don’t really go to Temple.”
DRE: Did you and Natalie connect on that level?
ZB: The funny thing is Natalie plays someone who is not Jewish and here she was born in Jerusalem, a Jewish mother’s dream, teasing me about being Jewish.
DRE: Did your family hope you two might hook up?
ZB: I know! And she speaks fluent Hebrew, too. She really is a Jewish mother’s dream.
DRE: She’d probably think Natalie was too Jewish.
ZB: Yeah, can you imagine my mom being, “She’s just too Jewish. I liked her and then she spoke fluent Hebrew and I was frankly turned off. She was pushing it.”
DRE: This movie has a great soundtrack. Did you handpick the songs yourself?
ZB: It’s all my favorite music really. Stuff I was listening to while I was writing it and I made a mixed CD. So when I gave out the script, I would give out this mixed compilation I’d made and even when people passed on the movie, they were like, ‘Man, that soundtrack!’ So, when we got the movie made, the bands little by little were extremely generous in letting us have their songs for very little money.
DRE: Do you plan to continue juggling your film career with Scrubs or do you plan to leave the show in the next couple of years?
ZB: Well, the show is only picked up for another two years, so we'll see how that plays out.
DRE: What is your instinct?
ZB: The show is the ideal gig because we do it seven months out of the year. It's really an actor's dream. You do something you really love and go to work and act every day for seven months and get to act really silly, which is a blast and then five months out of the year you do whatever you want. My second hiatus I did Shakespeare in the Park and this one I did this film. You can go act in other people's movies, you can sit and play video games or you can travel. You can really do anything. Scrubs affords me the ability to explore lots of other ideas and follow the things I’ve dreamed about doing. This was my biggest dream. I went to film school. This is what I wanted to do more than anything and 'Scrubs' really was the catalyst that allowed me to do that.
DRE: If Scrubs ends will you do another show?
ZB: I don't imagine that when Scrubs is over that I'll go and do another TV show right away. I'd produce something or create something, but I probably wouldn't go act in something right away because I'd like to do more and more of this directing rather than acting.
Quote from: Zach Braff's IdI could see that thing that she had poking through.
Haha.
It's sad. He sounds like he could've written something great.
he was on Arrested Development the other night, it was cool. he actually looks like a thinner less scuzzy version of the real girls gone wild guy they were lampooning. it was cool he was on considering his show is on a rival network.
I just liked that he played a giant, misogynistic asshole.
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see? i thought there was a little resemblance there.
Quote from: Zach BraffAs far as what's all real and what's not, I'd say about 75 percent of it is stuff that definitely happened, it just didn't necessarily happen to me.
No , cause it all happened in the film Beautiful Girls (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115639/) by Ted Demme. Does anyone know if he has ever mentioned this film as a inspiration? (sorry,if this has already been answered.)
Quote from: Sigur RósQuote from: Zach BraffAs far as what's all real and what's not, I'd say about 75 percent of it is stuff that definitely happened, it just didn't necessarily happen to me.
No , cause it all happened in the film Beautiful Girls (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115639/) by Ted Demme. Does anyone know if he has ever mentioned this film as a inspiration? (sorry,if this has already been answered.)
i haven't seen that film. what similarities do you note?
Quote from: IMDB.comPlot Outline: A piano player at a crossroads in his life returns home to his friends and their own problems with life and love.
I could probably guess.
Quote from: bigideasQuote from: Sigur RósQuote from: Zach BraffAs far as what's all real and what's not, I'd say about 75 percent of it is stuff that definitely happened, it just didn't necessarily happen to me.
No , cause it all happened in the film Beautiful Girls (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115639/) by Ted Demme. Does anyone know if he has ever mentioned this film as a inspiration? (sorry,if this has already been answered.)
i haven't seen that film. what similarities do you note?
There are similarities plot-wise, but one film never really reminded me of the other. Beautiful Girls is pure manufactured content, never trying to push its story beyond the usual sentimentalities. Certain moments in the film ring true, but its a Hollywood focus of small town life. Garden State is a film school project. Its obcessed with camera angle and structure the content becomes lost. It also has the problem of wanting to feel clever that for those who never really bought into the story to begin with, the dialogue can serve as just mild entertainment.
That being said, Beautiful Girls is really the better movie. It has a better understanding of its restraints and is high quality enough that its message showed through more. I just wouldn't say Garden State is really borrowing from Beautiful Girls. The subject was pretty worn through by the time Ted Demme got to it.
Braff opens 'Hearts' for Paramount
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Zach Braff will follow up his "Garden State" directorial debut with a remake of the 2002 Danish film "Open Hearts" for Paramount Pictures. Braff will adapt, helm, produce and co-star in the romantic drama.
Paramount beat out Fox Searchlight and the Weinstein Co. in what insiders described as an intense bidding war for the chance to work with the multihyphenate. Ever since "Garden State" was acquired at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival by Searchlight and Miramax Films, Braff has enjoyed solid relationships with the Fox specialty label and Harvey Weinstein. But Braff ultimately was swayed by the opportunity to reunite with Paramount's Pam Abdy, who produced "Garden State" and will shepherd "Open Hearts" for the studio alongside Brad Weston. Paramount president Gail Berman also was instrumental in bringing the project to the studio.
The story revolves around two couples whose lives become intertwined after a devastating car crash. Braff is set to play one of the lead roles. The original film was directed by Susanne Bier, who co-wrote with Anders Thomas Jensen.
Paramount is eyeing a summer shoot to coincide with Braff's hiatus from NBC's "Scrubs." Braff is scouting locations in New Jersey, where he shot "Garden State."
Quote from: MacGuffin on March 02, 2006, 12:13:11 AM
The story revolves around two couples whose lives become intertwined after a devastating car crash. Braff is set to play one of the lead roles. The original film was directed by Susanne Bier, who co-wrote with Anders Thomas Jensen.
The premise sounds heavy-handed. It could easily have the awkward self-importance and "indie button-pushing" that GS sometimes had. Maybe Braff will show some growth in this one.
Has anyone seen here the original?
Anders Thomas Jensen = Danish Paul Thomas Anderson?
I have a feeling it'll help Braff to be working from material that he didn't originally write himself. I actually liked Garden State, but where it suffered it suffered from a sense of being the profound artistic statement of someone who thinks he might not get the chance to make another. Having gotten that out of his system, I think Braff's got the chops to make movies for people who love movies.
Quote from: polkablues on March 02, 2006, 02:12:53 AM
I have a feeling it'll help Braff to be working from material that he didn't originally write himself. I actually liked Garden State, but where it suffered it suffered from a sense of being the profound artistic statement of someone who thinks he might not get the chance to make another. Having gotten that out of his system, I think Braff's got the chops to make movies for people who love movies.
i hope so too. i'm really rooting for this to work. though i'm not terribly excited about the premise/remakefactor, i'll still hope for the best. :yabbse-thumbup:
Unfortunately, Braff's making the mistake of casting himself in it again. So it will probably not be that great.
i loved this movie.
Quote from: Garam on March 06, 2006, 07:11:20 AM
"Oh yeah I have a helmet for my seizures I love the Shins they change my life WIKWOBFLIPPPYDOO that is what I do to seperate myself from everyone else on earth say a prayer for my dead hamster!!"
damn, that actually sums up her character pretty well. :ponder:
i loathed this movie. i really shouldn't have to point out what i didn't like about it. but come on. over-medicated. confused. going back home. the shins...blagh. this movie sucked. it's will and grace humour deprived it from any sense of being just an "ok" movie, ten fold.