by Cookie N Screen
Expectation is a wrought thing for a passionate film fan. The pressure put on films to charm and delight you can be too much, failing to rise to whatever preconceived notion of excellence you had. It was a mixture of my love for Zach Braff, from years of watching Scrubs, and word of mouth that this was a phenomenal film that weighted some very misguided expectations (that, I’ll admit, were very wrong of me to have). When I finally got to see Garden State, I was heavily disappointed. Even when I got over the hopes, watching it again later on in life, not much had changed to alter that dismay.
This little anecdote is probably best needed for you to understand while I’m hitting stop on an acclaimed cult indie hit.
Expectation is a wrought thing for a passionate film fan. The pressure put on films to charm and delight you can be too much, failing to rise to whatever preconceived notion of excellence you had. It was a mixture of my love for Zach Braff, from years of watching Scrubs, and word of mouth that this was a phenomenal film that weighted some very misguided expectations (that, I’ll admit, were very wrong of me to have). When I finally got to see Garden State, I was heavily disappointed. Even when I got over the hopes, watching it again later on in life, not much had changed to alter that dismay.
This little anecdote is probably best needed for you to understand while I’m hitting stop on an acclaimed cult indie hit.
Garden State is written and directed by Braff and stars Natalie Portman alongside the quaffed indie hero. Here, he is Andrew Largeman, a somewhat successful television actor who returns to his home town after years away in Los Angeles due to the death of his mother. Since, Adam has found himself drugged up on lithium and is unable to connect to his domineering father. Whilst he tries to assimilate back to the small town and everything he finds so distant there, he meets Sam – a girl so opposite to him that he cannot help but be pulled to her. Their sudden connection lets him open up to his insecurities.
On paper, all the elements in Braff’s directorial debut work. The story is somewhat endearing, with these very humanistic characters (despite the seemingly “manic pixie dream girl”) suffering from issues of grief and mental illness all played delightfully well by Braff and Portman. Set to a soundtrack as unforgettable as The Graduate, Braff utilises the camera and wields it divinely. The imagery is stunning; very much a staple of independent film whilst also convey Braff’s unique voice in enhance a story with visual excellence. It is the epitome of droll: balancing the bleak and humour exceedingly well in such an evocative and believable well. It’s quirky enough to wrangle the indie loving scene. You can recognise all these element. In cold and harsh interrogation, it is the first few things that’d come out of my mouth.
On paper, all the elements in Braff’s directorial debut work. The story is somewhat endearing, with these very humanistic characters (despite the seemingly “manic pixie dream girl”) suffering from issues of grief and mental illness all played delightfully well by Braff and Portman. Set to a soundtrack as unforgettable as The Graduate, Braff utilises the camera and wields it divinely. The imagery is stunning; very much a staple of independent film whilst also convey Braff’s unique voice in enhance a story with visual excellence. It is the epitome of droll: balancing the bleak and humour exceedingly well in such an evocative and believable well. It’s quirky enough to wrangle the indie loving scene. You can recognise all these element. In cold and harsh interrogation, it is the first few things that’d come out of my mouth.
Before I weep into my scarf and proclaim “it is just so dull.” The film is delectably done but it has nothing remotely enthralling about it. The failure to engage is so pivotal with such a film, and it doesn’t. Whilst films can be equal parts slow and pleasing, the aforementioned elements seem squandered and not fleshed out enough for them to be enjoyable to watch. It has this air of pretentiousness (and trust me, I hate using that word as a criticism that some of you would hate to read) that grinds the movie to a halt, making it hard to access despite being, on paper, superb. This is probably highly subjective, but it feels as though a party is going on and you’ve got a cold stopping you from enjoying it as much as others. The result is bland drivel.
Undeniably, it has garnered an audience and perhaps a third or fourth watch is in order for it to completely click. But Garden State is a slog of a film that requires very high levels of attention. It feels as though Braff over-tried and hit a brick wall that is difficult to get passed. Garden State passes with a great amount of sighs because you know exactly what you should enjoy about it, but you simply can’t. Which makes it infuriating viewing, indeed.
Undeniably, it has garnered an audience and perhaps a third or fourth watch is in order for it to completely click. But Garden State is a slog of a film that requires very high levels of attention. It feels as though Braff over-tried and hit a brick wall that is difficult to get passed. Garden State passes with a great amount of sighs because you know exactly what you should enjoy about it, but you simply can’t. Which makes it infuriating viewing, indeed.
What Do You Think?
Do you want to yell at Cookie in a trash bag for her views?
Or do you completely agree with her viewpoint.
Let us know in the comments!
Zach Braff's Wish I Was Here is our on DVD today
Or do you completely agree with her viewpoint.
Let us know in the comments!
Zach Braff's Wish I Was Here is our on DVD today
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