Everyone, at one point or another, feels as if they are controlled by
another force. People throw away their own opinions and conform to what
others want them to do. Andrew Largeman, played by Zach Braff, suffers
from these symptoms in the 2004 movie "Garden State."
Largeman comes home to New Jersey to witness his mother's burial.
However, he leaves his lithium at his home in California. Being out of the
influence-circle of his medicine, he finally experiences emotions that
he hasn't felt since he was a child. He becomes satisfied with who he
is, for once, and feels no need to go under a control again. All of this
is accomplished with the help of Largeman's newfound love, Sam, played
by Natalie Portman. Sam is a carefree girl who brings out the best of
Largeman.
Throughout the movie, viewers can connect their own problems to those
projected onscreen and walk away wanting to change themselves for the
better.
"Garden State" is a very unique film. Not only is it not a cliched
love story, but it also rewrites the definition of what a director is.
Braff not only directs the movie, but also develops the original concepts
and plays the main character.
This once-independent film is a definite must-see for those who have
been waiting for an insightful afternoon. It goes beyond the realms of
philosophical reasoning and taps into the viewer's personal life.
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