I just watched this today for the second time.
We were discussing it in the film thread.
I've been thinking about it and I do think the ending was a bit of a cop out. I get tired of 'im on the plane, no im off the plane I love you too much'. The rest of the film was so unique and the shots were so...refreshing and then there was that ending, it was a low point. Umm I didn't feel any of the characters, never do, curse of being me, I really liked the angles though, it was uncomfortable, sort of juddery I think you could tell it was his first full length film, it really had that feel to it, like they had just let him do what he wanted and I really loved that, you don't often get that.
I think its a really good film, not the best of its kind, I prefer Science of Sleep to this but I do think its wonderful even the end is nice (I hate that word) it did deserve a better end though.
I have to admit that I was really disappointed in this movie.
I read so much positive about it and when I watched it I was disappointed because I have expected more from it.
Of course, it is not a bad movie but I would call it "little nice movie but nothing special".
The movie has some messages like "better feel pain then feeling nothing" and there were some funny and some sad scenes but that was it.
The ending was sooo sad and seeing leaving scenes like that is hard for me but this was the only scene that really moves me.
Perhaps you will like the movie more if you do not expect that it is one of the best movies ever (like I did after reading many praising reviews).
I can't control my destiny.
I trust my soul. My only goal is just to be. (Rent)
I'm selfish, inpatient and a little insecure.
I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle but if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best. (Marilyn Monroe)
I like it, a lot. An awful lot actually,it's not a perfect film,but I don't think it's trying to be.
"Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
My face wants to fall off when films are described like that :P
Im such a film snob *sigh*
Last night I was a bit drugged and so I just want to say a bit more about the film, I love the characters in this, so rarely when you watch a film do the characters have so many flaws, Braffs character clearly is unstable and his journey through the film is a really interesting and original one. As I said im unable to relate as such but at the same time I do recognise some of his feelings which is...ok. Natalie Portmans character is so refreshing most females written by males are very same-y, the guys dream, Portman though is quirky and almost reliant but independent at the same time. Together they mesh and are really lovely, Sarsgaard balances them and its just...wonderful. I love it :)
Regarding the soundtrack, well, yes, it's incredible.
Not just fantastic music, but beautifully selected and incredibly affecting. It pushes the viewer's mindset into that of the characters. Indeed, the music is much more representative of characters than of action in Garden State. Example, the party near the beginning. It's all proper heavy party music and stuff. Then Braff necks a pill, and slowly, creeping up like the effects of the drug, Zero 7's 'In The Waiting Line', a blissful, beautiful piece of electronic music... we zoom in on Braff's face as he inhales and exhales deeply, trying to stay in control... the music stops abruptly as someone interrupts his trance, then it comes back in again as soon as he's allowed to enter it again. Fantastic. The Shins' tune that Portman introduces him to has a similar effect - obviously this time the music is diagetic, but it's representative of a shared love of that moment and of life in that precise speck of time. Both characters are deeply troubled, Braff more obviously but Portman in her own weird ways, and it's a film about how that alone can be beautiful. That scene is the first time Braff begins to accept this, and the tune sits beautifully. The Frou Frou song at the end is more obvious, but it's exactly the same principle once again.
I love it!
I saw it on Monday and fell in love with it <3
Watched the extra clips yesterday.
AAAH it is amazinggg.
you should see my livejournal, i posted massive pic of it.
just because.
it's easily a favourite of mine now.
