Question Do you know why Natalie Portman decided to act in an independent film like Garden State? I felt she portrayed her character pretty well even if the movie wasn't that great. I mean it wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst.
Answer Hi Christopher!
She got the script from Zach Braff (director / writer) and she felt a deep connection with the character she later played. It's never been an issue to Natalie whether the movie is a huge Hollywood production or a independent small budget film. If she feels the script is interesting enough she is very likely to work in the project.