Garden State (film)

== Garden State (film) ==

Garden State is a 2004 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Zach Braff in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, and Ian Holm.

Plot

The film follows Andrew Largeman, a 26-year-old actor/waiter living in Los Angeles, who returns to his hometown in New Jersey after the death of his mother. Upon his return, he reconnects with old friends and meets a new acquaintance, Sam, who helps him confront his past and his emotionally distant father.

Cast

• Zach Braff as Andrew Largeman
• Natalie Portman as Sam
• Peter Sarsgaard as Mark
• Ian Holm as Gideon Largeman
• Armando Riesco as Jesse
• Method Man as Diego

Production

Garden State was filmed in various locations in New Jersey, including South Orange, Maplewood, and Cranford. The film's budget was approximately $2.5 million, and it was produced by Jersey Films.

Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack, compiled by Zach Braff, features music from artists such as The Shins, Coldplay, and Simon & Garfunkel. The soundtrack was well-received and won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Reception

Garden State premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 and received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its screenplay, direction, and performances, particularly those of Braff and Portman. The film grossed over $35 million worldwide.

Themes

The film explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the complexities of familial relationships. It also delves into the idea of returning home and confronting one's past.

Related pages

• Zach Braff
• Natalie Portman
• Sundance Film Festival
• New Jersey