Background:
Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation 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 3,000 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 such a long absence, Large finds old acquaintances around every corner living quite unique lives as gravediggers (Peter Sarsgaard), fast food knights, and the panderers of pyramid schemes. 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. A blast of color, hope and quirks, Sam becomes a sidekick who refuses to ride in his sidecar. Her warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart.
Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation 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 3,000 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 such a long absence, Large finds old acquaintances around every corner living quite unique lives as gravediggers (Peter Sarsgaard), fast food knights, and the panderers of pyramid schemes. 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. A blast of color, hope and quirks, Sam becomes a sidekick who refuses to ride in his sidecar. Her warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart.
Questions:
Meeting Andrew:
1. What is the point of the opening scene? What does it say about his personality? (Dream+Boss Yelling+Gas PumP)
2. What is the director trying to suggest by showing a split face of Andrew as he stands in front of his medicine cabinet?
The Funeral:
3. Where does Andrew stand during his mother’s funeral? Why?
4. What is the deeper meaning behind his shirt that matches the pattern of the bathroom?
A Morning at Mark’s House:
5. Who is Mark’s mother dating?
6. What is the point of the “Battle of Languages”?
The Doctor Office:
7. Why does the writer choose to have Andrew be an actor who gets notoriety for playing a mentally challenged quarterback?
8. Where does Andrew get his medication from? Why is this complicated?
Going to Sam’s House:
9. How has acquiring a vast amount of wealth impacted Jesse’s life?
10. Why do you, the viewer, think Sam lies all the time?
11. Aside from making us uncomfortable, what is the point of the original moment?
12. While Andrew is unable to cry about his mother’s funeral, Sam unleashes a flood of tears upon hearing him talk about it. What does this reveal about her character and their relationship?
An Evening Out:
13. Why doesn’t Sam want Andrew to see her ice skating tape?
14. At the bar Sam puts life in perspective. Sum up what she reveals about life.
Going to Sam’s House:
9. How has acquiring a vast amount of wealth impacted Jesse’s life?
10. Why do you, the viewer, think Sam lies all the time?
11. Aside from making us uncomfortable, what is the point of the original moment?
12. While Andrew is unable to cry about his mother’s funeral, Sam unleashes a flood of tears upon hearing him talk about it. What does this reveal about her character and their relationship?
An Evening Out:
13. Why doesn’t Sam want Andrew to see her ice skating tape?
14. At the bar Sam puts life in perspective. Sum up what she reveals about life.
The Quest: Before Andrew heads back to Los Angeles, Mark has a present for him. However, they must go on a series of quests to get it.
1. What is the abyss realistically and metaphorically?
2. What does Albert say is the most important thing in life?
3. How does Albert philosophy of life connect to the metaphor t of the Abyss?
4. Uh oh! More symbolism: Why is it raining (Think about what an ark represents)?
5. Why do all the characters scream at the abyss?
6. At the end of the journey, why does Andrew say he doesn’t care about the gift?
Andrew's Apartment:
Describe Andrew’s apartment:
What does it say about his life?
Jesse's Mansion:
Describe Jesse’s mansion:
What does it say about his life?
Andrew's Childhood Home:
Describe Andrew’s childhood home:
Describe his relationship with his father:
What can you infer about his childhood?
How does the house reflect his father’s philosophy of life?
How does the house reflect his father’s philosophy of life?
Sam's House:
Describe Sam’s Home environment:
Describe her relationship with her mother
What can you infer about her childhood?
How does the house reflect her philosophy of life?
Mark's Home:
Describe Mark’s home environment:
Describe his relationship with his mother:
What can you infer about his childhood?
How does the house reflect his philosophy of life?
