Garden State Essay -- essays research papers

t turn back conjure by PipsorcleAndrew Largemans (Zack Braff) journey throughout "Garden State" seems to be a testament on the meaning of liberation. passing game from his struggling playacting life in Los Angeles to his hometown in New Jersey, where he witnesses his mothers funeral, Andrew is in the mist of confronting difficult issues. iodin of the biggest issues is coming to terms with his psychologist spawn (Ian Holm), whom he has distanced himself from for many years because he has put him on respectable antidepressants for most of his life. The reason for this I will not reveal b arely it has caused Andrew to feel as if his father has controlled his life in a way.In showing how Andrew Largeman finds himself again, "Garden State" makes a good choice in putting him in each one of its scenes. Since this film is really approximately Largeman, because he is in every scene, we see a progression in his character as time goes on. At the beginning, we sense th at Andrew feels rather numb(p) and alienated but then as the film progresses, he becomes more(prenominal) than energetic and liberated. This gradual change in his character is highlighted clearly in the cinematography, a key method in showing Andrews psychological state.For a directorial debut, I must say Zack Braff has given me a completely disparate impression than from his regular role in the "Scrubs" TV series. One might think that for a directorial debut coming from a TV actor would be uneven and at best, formulaic and uninspired. Thats not the gaucherie here with "Garden State." Braff shows he k instanters how to handle directing and storytelling yet at the same time, showing a vision that clearly establishes himself as an auteur. Examples of this are the tense moments when Andrew is around his father. A lesser film would go for theatrics and end up being very talky in dialogue, but instead, Andrew and his fathers moments together are more subtle. Whenever we see both of them together, they talk but when they talk, their blood is forced. Theres a sense of silence at times, which shows they feel uncomfortable seeing each other after the lack of good communication for around a decade.Of course, one might think that from the way Im describing "Garden State" so far, the film is on the more serious side. Its actually more funny than serious but even describing the film as a comedy wouldnt do ju... ... selling his invention of soundless Velcro and now trundles down the corridors of his unfurnished McMansion in a golf cart. Another buddy, spot (Peter Sarsgaard), sells jewelry he acquires in a highly unusual manner. Braff besides writes simple yet refreshing dialogue, with plenty of offbeat humor, yet none of it is strained, nothing is played self-consciously for laughs. Braff himself has a warm, easy-to-watch screen presence. He evoke say nothing during the lull in a conversation, while the television camera remains focused on his face, and it feels right. Portman and Sarsgaard are also genuine, each wondrously relaxed in their roles. Production design is superb details in every scene are arranged well, and the photography, by Lawrence Sher, is - like the story and the acting unpretentious, never distracting, tricky or cute. This film never seems to manipulate us instead it engages us, arouses our curiosity and amusement, bids us gently to care about Andrew and surface-to-air missile and even Mark, leaving us entertained in the best sense. This scene is as confident, as secure in itself, as comforting, as a well worn pair of house slippers or your favorite course session chair. A splendid film. Grade A- (09/04)