10.06 PulseFLICKS

Kiss and Tell: A Few Words with Actor Zach Braff
By Elizabeth Meyer

When Zach Braff debuted on the Fox Network’s half-hour comedy series “Scrubs” in 2001, its future ~ and his in the business ~ was far from assured. Now, though, with the show into its sixth season and the talented cutie’s stock upgraded to actor/writer/director status after the 2004 cult hit Garden State, the 31-year-old New Jersey-born thespian is up where he belongs. His latest big role, since lending his voice to the title character in Disney’s computer animated hit, Chicken Little, is in actor-turned-director Tony Goldwyn’s just-released The Last Kiss, a remake of the well-regarded Italian dramatic comedy from 2001. Braff plays an almost-30 architect whose model model girlfriend (played by former “Real World” resident Jacinda Barrett of School For Scoundrels) is pregnant. Rather than counting his blessings, he counts the good times he feels are passing him by and carelessly hooks up with eager college student Kim (Rachel Bilson of “The O.C.”). Things get messy, people get hurt, and it makes for some good dramatic opportunities for Braff, who is known by most for his comedic skills. He was kind enough to take time out of his schedule to talk to The Pulse about comedy, human frailty, the tabloids, and more.

Pulse: This is a serious role, whereas you’re best known for comedy. Which is easier for you?

Zach Braff: Both have their own unique challenges, but it’s drama I’m most attracted to. When “Scrubs” is over one day, and I’m not doing comedy for more than half the year, I may be drawn back to comedy.

What attracted you to the role?

I was drawn to the flawed protagonist. The role was uncensored and felt really raw. People have come up to me and told me, “Don’t be offended, but I didn’t like your character.” Actually, human beings are jerks, but that’s so rarely depicted. To a certain extent, though, I buy the character back by choosing honesty and integrity in the end. Michael knows he messes up, and chooses to come clean. It’s a funny thing: people get really upset by what my character does ~ and they should, because it’s a great indication of how much they want this couple to be together in the end. You end up rooting for them.

Why do the men in films like this and ‘Garden State’ seem so immature?

I think women mature a little faster than men and want to start a family sooner. Men can procrastinate longer, because they have no maternal clock. For me, the lust that Michael has for Kim is like he’s lusting for his youth, his freedom, his lack of accountability. She reminds him that he’s mourning the loss of that freedom and youth, and
him going to her has more to do with missing the freedom of his youth. He rebels against growing up by acting out.

This is a pretty unconventional story…

It’s not an easy movie, and people can’t help but bring their own baggage to it. I think it’s a movie that will inspire conversation, a movie with a lot of respect for its audience. It assumes that it’s playing for an intelligent audience, while a lot of movies talk down. They’re so muted and brown made to not offend and appeal to the widest possible demographic. This movie would have tested well in the Valley…if you took all the risky things out.

You’ve had to deal with having your name in the tabloids lately. What’s that like?

The tabloids are something to get used to. They’re something that comes along with the territory. I just roll with punches…and don’t read the Enquirer.