Meet mixmaster Zach Braff

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Back to Braff
Braff is one of many directors to use his soundtracks to introduce new audiences to unknown music. Getting hired to pick the soundtrack for a movie in which he stars (but did not write or direct), he’s taking that tradition to the next level. Similar to the way music is used in “Harold and Maude,” Braff knows how to integrate songs with action. In “Garden State,” Braff’s character rides his grandfather’s sidecar motorcycle as a Shins tune scores the scene. He pulls up to the bus stop where Natalie Portman’s character is sitting. She takes off her enormous headphones and the music stops. It’s a neat little trick — letting the audience know that these potential lovers share the same headspace.

Since he’s not helming “The Last Kiss,” Braff doesn’t have the opportunity to create other neat little tricks with music. And while he’s doing the soundtrack, he doesn’t have complete control. Braff sent director Tony Goldwyn six mix CDs featuring 80 to 90 songs, with only 15 making the final cut. According to an Associated Press story, Braff’s first choice for opening credits, the 1996 Beck song “Jack Ass” was turned down partially for being too old. “Chocolate” by hot band Snow Patrol was picked instead.

Several artists from the “Garden State” soundtrack make return appearances on the “Last Kiss,” including Coldplay — a band a little too mainstream for many mixtape aficionados. (Sorry Zach — Coldplay is your dad’s alt rock.) Remy Zero and Imogen Heap are also back, as well as Braff’s college friend, Cary Brothers, who now has a career whether he deserves one or not. “The Last Kiss” soundtrack has an even mix of popular artists, including Fiona Apple, and underground favorites such as Aimee Mann. Like “Garden State,” music from “The Last Kiss,” may be overly mellow for some tastes, but it provides a nice variety of songs that moviegoers might have missed, had Braff not pointed them out.

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