Zach Braff Names the Film That Set an Unbeatable 'High Bar'
While many know him from the hit sitcom *Scrubs*, Zach Braff's taste in movies points to his serious filmmaking ambitions. He recently praised one particular classic comedy, calling it a benchmark for satire and cinematic excellence that remains unmatched even decades later. What film does he consider a true masterpiece?
For a generation of TV viewers, Zach Braff will always be J.D. from the beloved 2000s sitcom *Scrubs*. Despite his successful transition into a respected independent filmmaker with movies like *Garden State* and the more recent *A Good Person*, the legacy of the quirky medical comedy is hard to shake. The show's influence was immense, defining a certain brand of humor for years.
Given his background, it's hardly a surprise that one of his all-time favorite films is a comedy. But his choice, a Stanley Kubrick classic, also reveals a deep appreciation for the craft of filmmaking. His admiration is for a movie that transcends simple laughs, a work of art that has influenced countless directors. The film in question is *Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb*, widely regarded as one of the greatest satires ever made.
A Standard for Excellence
Braff wholeheartedly agrees with that assessment. “It set a very high bar for brilliant satire,” he explained to *Criterion*. He didn't stop there, adding that the film also established a new standard for “acting, cinematography, production design, everything.” His praise highlights how the movie achieved a level of perfection across multiple disciplines, making it a towering achievement in cinema.
Some might dismiss *Dr. Strangelove* as a predictable choice for cinephiles trying to appear sophisticated, often listed alongside films like *Citizen Kane*. However, the movie genuinely holds up. Unlike some classics that can feel like homework for modern audiences, Kubrick's film remains sharp, hilarious, and incredibly engaging from start to finish. It avoids the stuffiness that can make other historically significant films a tough watch, like the technically impressive but often tedious *2001: A Space Odyssey*.
The Genius Behind the Satire
“Well, I mean, come on. This is a masterpiece,” Braff stated simply, acknowledging the film's legendary status. “I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said by many people way smarter than me.” It’s a sentiment many share, as volumes have been written about Kubrick's work. For anyone unfamiliar, the movie is a political satire about a rogue U.S. general who initiates a nuclear strike against the Soviet Union. The plot follows the frantic attempts of government officials to prevent a global catastrophe.
Released in 1964 during the height of the Cold War, the film expertly mocked the widespread nuclear paranoia of the era. Interestingly, the project was initially conceived as a serious adaptation of Peter George’s thriller novel, *Red Alert*. However, Kubrick found the underlying concept of mutually assured destruction so absurdly dark that he transformed it into one of history's most celebrated comedies. This was made possible by a razor-sharp script and the unforgettable performance of Peter Sellers, who masterfully played three distinct characters. His work is a masterclass in comedic acting, helping elevate the film to the legendary status Braff describes.