GARDEN STATE

Year: 2004
USA: Fox Searchlight
UK: Buena Vista International UK
Cast: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm, Method Man, Jean Smart, Kenneth Graymez, George C Wolfe, Austin Lusy, Gary Gilbert, Jill Flint, Alex Burns, Jackie Hoffman, Michael Weston, Chris Carley, Armando Riesco, Amy Ferguson, Trisha LaFrache, Jim Parsons, Yvette Mercedes, Jayne Houdyshell, Ron Leibman, Ann Dowd, Ato Essandoh, Wynter Kullman, Geoffrey Arend, Soara-Joy Ross, Ryan B Moschetti, Joe Bacino, Tracey Antosiweicz, Seth Michael May, Denis O'Hare, Debbon Ayer
Director: Zach Braff
Country: USA
USA: 109 mins
UK: 102 mins
USA Rated: R for language, drug use and a scene of sexuality
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong sex, drugs and language
USA Release Date: 20 August 2004
USA Release Date: 6 August 2004 (Limited Release)
USA Release Date: 28 July 2004 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 10 December 2004


Synopsis

Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium induced coma until his mother's death inspired a break from the pills to see what might happen. A moderately successful TV actor living in Los Angeles, Large hasn't been home to the 'Garden State' in nine years. But even with 3000 miles between them, he's been unable to escape his domineering father Gideon (Sir Ian Holm) and the silencing effect he's had on his son from afar.

Stunned to find himself in his hometown after all this time, Large rediscovers old acquaintances such as Mark (Peter Sarsgaard) now a gravedigger. Meanwhile at home he does his best to avoid a long-simmering but inevitable confrontation with his father.

By a twist of fate, Large meets Sam (Natalie Portman), a girl who is everything he isn't. Giving him a welcome boost to his life, Sam's warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is life.