Director: Zach Braff (directorial
debut)
Co-stars: Zach Braff, Ian Holm, Peter Sarsgaard...
US Release Date: July 28, 2004.
Filmed: in 24 days from April 23th until late May of
2003 in New Jersey and L.A.
Natalie's Character: Samantha
Plot Summary: Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) returns to
his hometown for the funeral of his clinically depressed
mother, a journey that reconnects him with some of his
past friends. Because the trip coincides wtih his
decision to stop taking his powerful antidepressants, he
also begins to reconnect with himself. A chance meeting
with Sam (Natalie Portman), a girl also suffering form
various maladies, opens up the possibility of rekindling
emotional attachments, confronting his psychologist
father, and perhaps beginning a new life.
Notes:
- Natalie was Braff's first choice for the role of Sam
but he never thought he would get her.
- Selected for competition in the 2004 Sundance Film
Festival where it has been acquired by Fox Searchlight
and Miramax for $5 million.
- Won the Best Film award at the Maui Film Festival on
June 2004.
Running Time: 102 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for language, drug use and a scene of
sexuality.
