Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

[Halx]

Comedy and Romance
1 hr. 48 min. This is the story of a guy, Joel (Carrey), who discovers that his long-time girlfriend, Clementine (Winslet), has undergone a psychiatrist's (Wilkinson) experimental procedure in which all of her memory of Joel is removed, after the couple has tried for years to get their relationship working fluidly. Frustrated by the idea of still being in love with a woman who doesn't remember their time together, Joel agrees to undergo the procedure as well, to erase his memories of Clementine. The film, which takes place mostly within Joel's mind, follows his memories of Clementine backwards in time as each recent memory is replaced, and the procedure then goes on to the previous one, which is likewise seen, and then erased. Once the process starts, however, Joel realizes he doesn't really want to forget Clementine, so he starts smuggling her away into parts of his memory where she doesn't belong... which alters other things about his memories as well.

This movie is getting a lot of reviews, which rate it as a great movie, but here's MINE.

I saw this movie for one reason. Jim Carrey. He's one of my heroes. Anyways, I'm proud of any attempt Jim makes at becoming a real actor and I think he's done very well for himself here. I don't think it's anything award-worthy like The Truman Show, because I'm afraid this movie is doomed to smolder at the box office because of 'Jesus Chainsaw Massacre', as Fark is calling it.

The movie starts off with the first hour dreadfully paced like Lost In Translation, which I thought was too slow. However, unlike Lost, the pace picks way up in the second half and all of the pieces of the story solidify. The end result is a cool little modern love story. There is also a side-story involving the four employees of the company that wipes the memories that is fully entertaining.

I enjoyed the movie because it made you think and because I could relate to the two main characters as both parts of my own personality. Part of me is dopey, shy, quiet and boring. The other part of me is witty, impulsive and very very odd. It all makes sense in the end and you either hate it or like it.

My dad, for example, hated it. I give it 3.75 out of 5. Discounted only because of the dreadfully slow pace in the first half and lack of potential laughs. Even though it wasn't a comedy, there was so much room for more.

[AfterBurn]

Cool review, thanks man.

[Charlatan]

Saw the movie on Friday...

I thought it was an enchanting film.

I loved the pace.

It's odd, I wanted to see the film because I'm a fan of the screenwriter, Charlie Kauffman (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, Human Nature and COnfesions of a Dangerous Mind). He is one of today's most interesting story tellers. He manages to explore the inner self in consistently facinating ways.

In the end, the performaces of Carrey and Winslet are note perfect (as are the supporting cast).

What's been made is one of the most unique boy meets girl boy loses girl stories every filmed.

All of that said, this clearly isn't for everyone. As with Hal's Dad, I heard a number of people in the theatre mumbling that it was a waste of their money... My wife, on the other hand, liked it even more than I did.

[AfterBurn]

Is it a good relaxing friday night movie thats worth spending $8 for?

[asudevil83]

i saw it last night. the first time i saw the preview, i was hyped for this movie. and i must say that for me, they lived up to all expectations.

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet were perfectly cast for this movie. i must say that i really wasnt the biggest fan of her before, but she did an amazing job. and as for Jim, he pulled of something great....a character COMPLETELY the opposite of everything else he's ever been in.

as far as the crowd goes, people seemed to be very interested in this movie...laughing at particular scenes, and stuff like that. i heard plenty of "that was an amazing movie" which i kinda odd since the audience was almost completely college aged.

but overall, i'd say that this was easily the best movie of the year so far.

[philosopherking]

Very good film. I'm not typically a fan of Jim Carrey, hate most of his movies actually, but this one I liked, a lot. I had no problems with the pace, it was just a little confusing at first trying to piece together what was going on. I like having to figure things out though, so that was good. It was one of those films that gets me thinking a lot afterwards, wondering if I would ever have memories so agonizing that I'd want to get rid of them that badly. I thought the whole cast did a pretty good job, I especially loved the few David Cross scenes.

[FleaCircus]

Originally posted by AfterBurn
Is it a good relaxing friday night movie thats worth spending $8 for?

Worth the $8? Absolutely. Relaxing? Probably not. Not that it makes you especially tense, like some kind of action thriller, but you definitely have to pay attention.

I thought the movie was phenomenal. I want to see it again, because I'm sure there is a lot of nuance in it that I missed.

Carrey was good, Winslet was exceptional, and the supporting cast was solid. And I'm a huge Charlie Kaufman fan.

I'd recommend for everyone to see it.

[k1ng]

I was a bit hesitant about seeing if because Jim Carey had a lead role in the movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised. You can definately tell that it's a Charlie Kauffman movie, though.

I really enjoyed this movie and will probably go see it again.

I definately recommend this movie.

[Halx]

My dad's arguements against it is that it was repetetive. He hated seeing the same scene over and over again.

[Booray]

I really enjoyed it. I went to see it mainly because it was a Charlie Kaufman script, but I've always liked Jim Carrey too and knew he has the ability to pull off quirky dramatic roles (he's just not given that many opportunities to do this). I'd give it about an 8.5 out of 10.

Didn't realize Kaufman had written Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, but now that I know, I can definitely see his touch on the movie.

[Lord Humungus]

I thought it was absolutely brilliant!

For starters, in case you didn't know, that director is pretty popular with music vidoes (the crystal method, bjork, etc). He is very anti-computer graphics and that movie is all done with hold-skool camera tricks. Brilliant direction!

The story is just wonderfully written. The ending is was just spectacular. There is so much I want write and discuss but it would just be a spoiler so maybe we need to start a new thread for that but then maybe nobody really cares so.....

Ill just say that I loved it. Jim and Kate had a great spark together. The Direction is absolutely amazing and will warrant him a nomination at the Oscars.

edit: Human nature (I havent seen) and Adaptation are also movies under his belt. Adaptation I thought we also excellent.

[Charlatan]

Adaptation was directed by Spike Jonze.

[kwoodmex]

It's good to read all these positive reviews about this movie. I'm wanting to see it more because its a Kaufman script than because Carrey is in it. I haven't seen it yet but will definitely be seeing it soon.

Thanks for the read...

[deepinjello]

I really enjoyed this movie, it's a regular humdrum story typical of hollywood beautifully twisted by Charlie Kaufman. I'll add my yea vote to all the wonderful acting in this film but I can't believe no one has mentioned David Cross yet! His part while small was great as always.

Going to see it a second time this week with another friend and looking forward to getting even deeper into the film.

[InTeGrA77]

Originally posted by Halx
My dad's arguements against it is that it was repetetive. He hated seeing the same scene over and over again.

Seems like it kind of relates to Memento in a way...he DEFINATELY wouldn't like that movie!

I was slightly interested in seeing it but I had yet to hear anything good about it. But now I think that I'll drag myself to the theater yet again, and waste another saturday night alone and 7 bucks...

[rbox]

Just got back from it, and I loved it. I was unsure about Kate Winslet, but she was awesome. I thought the chronological order was kind of crazy and hard to follow when it was first happening, but by the memory erasing scenes everything was cleared up and made perfect sense. The memory erasing scenes were amazingly well done and loved every minute of it.

Definately worth the 8 bucks, and definately something I will buy on DVD.

[forseti-6]

I just saw this movie last night, I really liked it. I thought the bright parts of the movie were some of the unexpected parts (I don't want to ruin the movie for those who didn't see it). But the timeline was well laid out and the who concept was excellent.

There were a couple parts that I didn't completely get, but some parts that I didn't get until the end. I felt the ending of the movie had a "Sixth Sense"-esque feel to it - in surprise factor. I personally didn't feel starting off slow was a bad thing, because it really set the stage for the rest of the movie.

I'm surprised this movie doesnt have a wider release. Out of 6 Loews theatres near me here (in Midtown Manhattan) only 2 of them are showing them. Weird.

[gonad]

I thought it was Kaufman's best film to date. I almost never cry at movies and this one actually choked me up. It was touching and heart-wrenching. It's just an excellent example of what you can do with a film without explosions, sex, crooked cops, sex with exploding crooked cops, etc. Absolutely one of the best screenplays I've seen in years.

[brianna]

ok my two issues with this movie (despite generally liking it and recommending it to friends):

WARNING SPOILERS!

1. i suspect that i was supposed to feel like clemintine and joel's relationship was worth save -- i was somewhat unconvinced -- they didn't seem too happy.

2. ok we assume that joel goes to long island because he has retained some sub conscious memory of agreeing to do so in his dreams/mind last night -- but how does clemintine know to go there? are we supposed to believe some sort of psychic connection between the two?

[FleaCircus]

Originally posted by brianna
WARNING SPOILERS!

2. ok we assume that joel goes to long island because he has retained some sub conscious memory of agreeing to do so in his dreams/mind last night -- but how does clemintine know to go there? are we supposed to believe some sort of psychic connection between the two?

I figured that he just knew her well enough to know that that's a place where she would go (or possibly did go often).

Plus, and I'm not sure about this one since it's been a couple of weeks since I saw the movie, but wasn't where they met the second time (after the Lacuna procedure) the same place they met this first time (according to Joel's memories of it all)?

[sailor]

I saw the movie last night, and loved the hell out of it. It made me think, was kinda wierd (I *love* wierd movies), and there were moments that just make me choke up because they were either so true or hit on something I had experienced in my life. I absolutely loved it.

[Skettios]

Originally posted by FleaCircus
Plus, and I'm not sure about this one since it's been a couple of weeks since I saw the movie, but wasn't where they met the second time (after the Lacuna procedure) the same place they met this first time (according to Joel's memories of it all)?

Yes, it was Montauk.

Even though they had both had their memories erased, they were such kindred spirits that they were drawn right back together.

[daydream]

I thought the movie was good... It was definitely different than anything I had ever seen before. It had a really interesting concept... and I especially liked how everything turned out in the end.

[thebigk]

I really enjoyed this movie, so much that I'm a little afraid to see it again for fear I'll suddenly notice all the flaws

[FoolThemAll]

I loved it. For me, it didn't lag at any point. Whatsoever. I was captivated from start to finish. Best movie I've seen in theaters this year so far (out of 1).

[-Ever-]

I gave the film a 9.5/10 in the 'rate the last movie you watched' thread. I had high expectations, and this was one of the few times recently a film has been able to live up to them.
I can't wait to see it again.
-T

[ironchef82]

Great movie. I give it an A. I just love the visual effects that were used, how everything was erased on screen. The subplot was well interweaved as well.

It's one of those movies where it's complex, hard to understand at first, but you're able to figure it out, and once you do, you can't wait to see it again.

[sherpahigh]

Originally posted by ironchef82
Great movie. I give it an A. I just love the visual effects that were used, how everything was erased on screen. The subplot was well interweaved as well.

It's one of those movies where it's complex, hard to understand at first, but you're able to figure it out, and once you do, you can't wait to see it again.

Yup, this is a great flick. I saw it awhile back and I can't wait to see it again.

I think it was on Jay Leno or some show that I saw Jim Carey talking about that scene where he walks into a small room where he finds himself, already in there talking to the doctor... apparently that shot was all done in one take, as the camera panned over, Jim went running behind the camera to play the same character in a different time. Great scene.

[Ella]

I caught up with this one last night and loved it as well. Best film I've seen for a long time, and if Jim Carrey doesn't get an Oscar nom, there is no justice in the film world (as if there was any to begin with??).

The fact that Joel and Clem came back together at the end (or beginning??) purely by accident was testament to the fact that they truly were destined to be together, despite their attempts to have the respective memories of each other erased.

Makes me kinda all choked up in the throat....*sniff*

[Suave]

Originally Posted by AfterBurn

Is it a good relaxing friday night movie thats worth spending $8 for?

If the only way to see it was to pay $15, I'd still go see it.

[Mephisto2]

I enjoyed it, but I think it's over-rated. I certainly wouldn't call it the best movie of 2004, as which it has been described by several papers.

Mr Mephisto

[amonkie]

I liked how REAL the movie felt - sure it was weird, but who of us has perfect lives anyway? I really think Carrey did a superb job in a much more challenging role. He's starting to earn more of my respect.

[Moskie]

One of my favorites (in case you couldn't tell ). I just got it on DVD a few weeks ago, only to learn a 2-disc set is right around the corner... d'oh!

*spoilers!*

I thought the visual effects were fantastic. Did anyone else get the impression that they made the visual effects a little extra noticeable on purpose? For instance, when they're in the bookstore and the bookfaces begin to blur and fade, it seems like the blurriness is moving around on top of the books, as if to draw your attention. And when Joel is running back and forth along the same block over and over again, the effects make him look a bit too cartoony. I thought they did these things on purpose, just to make it feel all that much more like a dream... I think it worked perfectly and got my eyes glued to the screen.

Probably my only major complaint of the movie is with Elijah Woods' character. I wish they explored that subplot more, with him trying to impersonate Joel. I thought it was a really great idea having him do that, but they didn't spend enough time on it. I guess if they did spend more time on it, it might have been too distracting from the rest of the film. But I feel it's almost all or nothing: either go with the subplot and explore it completely, or leave it out.

This flick better win some awards!

[Moskie]

Originally Posted by brianna

2. ok we assume that joel goes to long island because he has retained some sub conscious memory of agreeing to do so in his dreams/mind last night -- but how does clemintine know to go there? are we supposed to believe some sort of psychic connection between the two?

I figured it was because a similar thing happened to Clem during her erasure, as what happened to Joel. Something along the lines of Joel, in Clem's mind, telling her to meet him in Montauk.

I guess we'll just have to wait for the sequel that shows the events from Clem's perspective.

[Ella]

I agree with the Elijah Woods character subplot...it took a little while for me to realise what he was doing, but I got the feeling Clem could kinda see through him. She knew something wasn't quite right. Also the fact they both went out to Long Island that day leads me to believe the erasure wasn't quite complete for either of them.

[inharmony]

I liked this movie alot. I like Carrey usually for his comedy...but thought his take on this role was awesome.

[ergdork]

I really loved this movie. Saw it and bought it. I have to say that its a movie that develops with extra watchings. The second time around allows you to connect up bits that you may have missed the first time around. Something I hadn't noticed the first time was that in the bookstore memory, all the books were backwards (spine in) on the shelves. That was a relatively minor detail, but there were plenty of other connections I felt I was able to make the second time around.

I definitely agree that it was one of Carrey's best roles, if the his best. Someone previously said in this thread that they couldn't see why Carret and Winslet would get back together. I liked that aspect as it came across as more honest - "Lets rewind and see if we can learn from our mistakes (even if we don't remember them!)"

[Charlatan]

I think Clem went to Long Island because that is one of the places she goes when she's melancholy... Joel went because he has residual memories... Some gut feeling made him go there, nothing he could explain.

[roachboy]

michel gondry is really an interesting, smart director.
i would recommend the dvd collection of his video/short film work--there is great stuff on it. gondry made the video for cibo matto's "sugar water" which is, i think, the best music video i have ever seen (and the song is excellent).

the collection also includes the commercial for lacuna inc, which is great.
it reminded me of the film, which i liked quite alot.

[pinkie]

I loved this movie...