garden state
"Is it funny? Good. It's good to hear that things are funny. I find them funny, but I never know if anyone else is going to find them funny. If nothing else, I'm making a movie that I'll enjoy."
That's Zach Braff, on the set of his feature writing/directing debut, Garden State. I love that quote because it captures exactly why I love indie movies.
Major studio movies are too often tailored to focus groups, market research, and the big guy in the suit's idea of art. I love the idea that we can each decide what is art, and what is funny, and what is moving... and individuality like that can show up in movies, even if they don't make a ton of money.
So, Garden State. Have you ever gotten together with a friend that you haven't seen in a while, and you just have the best time? And then you think to yourself, "This person is amazing. Why don't I spend every freaking weekend with this person? All my other friends are losers."
That is how I felt last night when I sat down and re-watched Garden State. I've seen it before, when it first came out... and I know I liked it... but I've never seen it again since then. And I have no idea why. The movie is fugging phenomenal. It's hysterically funny, but intelligent too. It effectively explores those in-between stages of life... and right now I can so relate.
Oh, yeah, and the Shins kick ass.
That's Zach Braff, on the set of his feature writing/directing debut, Garden State. I love that quote because it captures exactly why I love indie movies.
Major studio movies are too often tailored to focus groups, market research, and the big guy in the suit's idea of art. I love the idea that we can each decide what is art, and what is funny, and what is moving... and individuality like that can show up in movies, even if they don't make a ton of money.
So, Garden State. Have you ever gotten together with a friend that you haven't seen in a while, and you just have the best time? And then you think to yourself, "This person is amazing. Why don't I spend every freaking weekend with this person? All my other friends are losers."
That is how I felt last night when I sat down and re-watched Garden State. I've seen it before, when it first came out... and I know I liked it... but I've never seen it again since then. And I have no idea why. The movie is fugging phenomenal. It's hysterically funny, but intelligent too. It effectively explores those in-between stages of life... and right now I can so relate.
Oh, yeah, and the Shins kick ass.
June 6, 2008 at 1:29 PM
This is one of my favourite films ever, and it has such an awesome soundtrack too!
Its the kind of film I wish I had made, you know?
I'll treasure it forever nonetheless.
June 6, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Amen on all points. I don't get the haters that poo-poo this as if it were a Uwe Boll project.
For people of a certain age, it's crazy relatable, the music's great, it oozes mood and atmosphere, it's funny, it's got Peter Saarsgard, etc, etc. Just like the characters say at one point, the movie feels like home, and takes you back to the age their more or less taking themselves back to.
And yea, I know what you mean, Nick.
June 6, 2008 at 6:33 PM
I will always remember this movie for introducing me to The Shins.
June 7, 2008 at 2:19 PM
At first this movie had an awkward silence, like that one time when he's talking to his dad in his office, which made it even more awesome. And the feel... But anyway, have you seen The Last Kiss?
June 7, 2008 at 2:33 PM
The Last Kiss was an abortion of a movie. Effing awful.
June 8, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Nice site. Been thinking about watching this movie and you've made my mind up - thanks.
For an insight into the other side of the screen at the cinema, I've started a blog at http://strugglingwithlife.wordpress.com/
I hope you enjoy it. As I don't really do movie reviews, do you mind if I link to your blog?
June 8, 2008 at 4:55 PM
ALright, time for another viewing of this, I suppose. It's faded a bit since I saw it in the theater...
June 9, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Garden State is truly outstanding. I'm glad you all agree.
But... sorry... I'm going to have to go with Fletch on Last Kiss. Festering turd, unfortunately.
SWL! I checked out your site, and it was hilarious! Of course I'm always happy to get a little link lovin', but you can be sure I'm going to add you to "Nayana's Posse" as well. I also highly suggest you check out the LAMB... I don't know that we have any blogs quite like yours.