Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Michael Gondry, USA, 2004, 108 minutes

Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) is a reclusive introvert, who describes his own life as boring and uninteresting. Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) is his polar opposite: loud, outspoken, impulsive and fond of bright hair colours. Despite their differences, the pair embark on what at first seems to be a perfect relationship, but in time tempers flare.

After an unpleasant break-up, Joel is heartbroken to discover that Clementine has taken advantage of a new scientific technique, and had all her memories of him erased from her mind. In retaliation, Joel signs up for the treatment himself. However, it is not until the procedure begins that Joel realises that his memories of her are too precious to lose. He races through the complex maze of his own mind, desperately trying to hide her in the depths of his subconscious as his memories are systematically erased around him.

Scripted by Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation), Eternal Sunshine is not as bizarrely wacky as these films, but is nevertheless a unique story, perhaps Kaufman's best. Credit must go to Michael Gondry, whose superb direction, combined with immaculate editing, beautiful cinematography and a remarkable attention to detail together result in a truly captivating movie experience.

Eternal Sunshine features a strong supporting cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Tom Wilkinson and Elijah Wood, all of whom turn in excellent performances. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly Carrey, whose quiet, understated work conveniently erases all memories of his usual rubber-faced idiocy. From the perplexing opening to the bittersweet ending, you'll love every minute - this is one film you certainly won't want to have erased from your memory.

Review by Iain Jackson
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2004