Garden State

Released in the mid-2000s, "Garden State" tapped into a growing disillusionment with mainstream culture and a desire for authenticity among young adults. It resonated with audiences seeking a more introspective and emotionally honest portrayal of their experiences, contributing to a boom in indie cinema focused on similar themes.

• Zach Braff's writing and directing debut is poignant and relatable, capturing the anxieties and uncertainties of young adulthood.
• The soundtrack is iconic and perfectly complements the film's mood, introducing many indie artists to a wider audience.
• Natalie Portman's performance is charming and quirky, providing a hopeful counterpoint to the protagonist's depression.
• The film explores themes of mental health, family dysfunction, and the search for meaning in life with sensitivity and humor.

Fun Facts

• Zach Braff wrote the script over several years and funded the film in part with his own money after struggling to find studio backing.
• The iconic line, "You know that feeling when you wake up, and you're okay? That's it. I just want that for the rest of my life.", was improvised by Braff during filming.
• The roles of Andrew Largeman and Sam were originally offered to other actors before Braff and Portman took on the roles.