Zach Braff was a “very depressed young man”.
Zach Braff recalled his battle with depression
The 47-year-old actor revealed he wrote ‘Garden State’ – his 2004 comedy-drama – because he had a fantasy of “a dream girl coming and saving [him]”.
He told The Independent: “I was just copying Diane Keaton in ‘Annie Hall’ and Ruth Gordon in ‘Harold and Maude’.
“Those were my two favorite movies growing up, and I was sort of taking those two female leads and merging them with Natalie Portman.
“Of course I heard and respect the criticism, but…I was a very depressed young man who had this fantasy of a dream girl coming to save me from myself and so I wrote this character.”
When asked if he was aware of his depression at the time, Zach replied, “Oh, I’ve known it all my life. I had OCD as a child. I knew I was fighting something. That’s what “Garden State” was all about.
The Hollywood star – who is best known for starring in the hit sitcom ‘Scrubs’ – still vividly remembers battling ‘demons’ while writing the film.
He shared, “As I was writing it, I hoped I could survive what became known as quarter-life crisis and depression, and fantasize that the perfect woman would come to save me.”
“Garden State” was initially well received by critics. However, opinions on the film have changed over time.
Zach added, “I mean, I just feel lucky to be able to do stuff. I can’t really dwell on it. Anyone who’s ever gotten a bad grade on a teacher’s essay can relate – just imagine that it was in public, you know?
“No one said being a creative person was easy, but you have to be vulnerable and authentically yourself. Otherwise, what’s the point?”
Origin of message: woman first
