Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

Credits / Details

83%
Overall Rating

Ranked #80
...out of 20,886 movies

Genres: Comedy Drama Fantasy Romantic Comedy Romantic Fantasy

A man, Joel Barish, heartbroken that his girlfriend Clementine underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realizes that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake. --IMDb

Review by sidefriction
Added: June 10, 2004

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind gives us an incredible glimpse of the human mind, the power of memory and its visceral connection with love. While the movie may have not done as great in the box office, it should very well become a cult classic or something to that extent. This is truly a brilliant film, directed by coming of age major motion picture director Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich), Eternal Sunshine is presented in a brilliant fashion.

Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) have been in love with each other for a few years and just a few days before Valentine's Day, they break up. Clementine (has many personal problems, including addiction) decides to go through a process headed by Dr. Howard Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson) to have all of her memories of Joel erased to end the pain. Seems like a pretty good idea doesn't it? Somehow Joel finds out about Clementine having her memory erased and he goes through the same process. In the process, Joel must strap a metal helmet on his head and have a team of lab scientists (Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo). Everything goes fine; however through experiencing all of the memories of Clementine for the last time, he discovers that he does truly love her. The premise from there is Joel traveling through his dying memories and "going off the map" to escape the procedure.

While Eternal Sunshine may seem like some cheesy sci-fi romantic comedy, that is far from the truth. Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry paint a visual picture of the meaning of bad memories. This is more of a philosophical interpretation of human emotions and actions, presented through memories. While it is a love tale, it is mostly bittersweet. Nope, you won't find themes from Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! here.

The other quality that makes this movie so great is relatable characters. I found myself to relate to Joel the most. Joel plays the typical shy and quirky guy who you just have to fall in love with. Carrey does a stellar job at portraying this character. That says something about Carrey too, since his serious roles have sucked. I think this is his first GOOD serious role. Kate Winslet does a fantastic job at playing the drama queen Clementine. Just by watching this movie, it is impossible NOT to fall in love with her. Elijah Wood breaks out of his Frodo Baggins character for this film, and he performs very well. Kirsten Dunst plays a very emotional role, without spoiling anything, just watch her. Bottom line here: the characters are loveable, relatable, and true.

If you don't really buy into the story, the visual design is enough to grab any self-loving moviegoer. The visual design and basic atmosphere of the film gives it a tangible feel to it. The memories are presented in a way where Joel and Clementine are center stage and there's a giant spotlight focusing on them, and no one else. In the movie, Joel escapes to memories from his childhood. He is still in adult form, but in his memories he is a little kid. Clementine gets trapped in there with him. This is where the comedic parts come in, like when his mom walks in on him masturbating. The childhood scenes give it more of a lighter feeling. It off sets the depressing themes and occurrences prior to, which is needed in a movie like this. The movie doesn't end on a sad note, but it doesn't end on a happy note either. It's a bittersweet end, but it will leave you hanging on many things. That will leave the rest for you to think about.

Gondry and Kaufman have given us one of the best and weirdest movies of the year. I think it is very safe to say that Eternal Sunshine could possibly be THE best movie thus far in 2004. The superb cast, the brilliant writing, and of course the fascinating visual settings make Eternal Sunshine one of those movies that will keep you guessing and thinking way after the movie has ended. If you like movies that make you think, such as Memento, or simply want to see a bittersweet film about relationships and the power of love, definitely check out Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. 10/10

#1: crazyloca5678 - added August 3, 2004 at 11:52pm
I LOVE THIS MOVIE AND I CANT WAIT TILL THE DVD COMES OUT, JIM CARREY RULEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#2: Tristan - added November 11, 2004 at 4:10pm
This movie was just so amazing. It was funny, sad, intriguing, it was everything a movie should be, with an amazing performane by Jim Carrey.

#3: Andy - added December 29, 2004 at 1:51am
It was one of THE best movies ever. The overall message was great-history repeats itself.

#4: dadarulz - added May 22, 2005 at 4:26am
Best interpretation by Jim Carrey. And what do you know, he doesn't make any face! Well.. almost none...

#5: Deadwired2 - added July 3, 2005 at 6:27am
This is a Chuck Palanhiuk book in action. Incredible.

#6: bluemeanie - added October 18, 2005 at 9:47pm
You don't get much better than this one. A flawless script from Charlie Kaufman, brilliant directing from Michael Gondry, and a cast to absolutely die for, especially Carrey and Winslet in the lead roles, and the always great Tom Wilkinson as the doctor. This one will go down as one of the most popular films of all-time...just check the IMDB listing of the Top 200 Films of All-Time and see where this one ranks. Amazing film. 10/10.

#7: Edd - added January 26, 2006 at 8:02pm
I think this movie was incredinly overhyped. Even though the ending was touching, i just couldn't get into this movie.

#8: BuryMeAlive - added September 23, 2006 at 4:52pm
I'm with Edd on this one. "Being John Malkovich" was flawless, but with this one, I got bored, and didn't really care about the characters.

#9: Luminaire - added November 22, 2007 at 12:31pm
I was browsing through the IMDB 250 greatest movies of all time and i came across this movie and noticed Jim Carey was in a dramatic role. I remember watching the commercials for this movie and they didn't initially grab me. By the great reviews for this movie, I had to watch it and I am glad i did. Its one of the greatest movies for a reason. The director made sure the viewer thought they were watching an acid trip, as the art is abstract and beautiful and the acting is top notch. This movie is about despair and depression and then it brings you hope and possibility. The only way i can see someone not liking this movie is because they have never loved and lost, or been in a relationship where it had reached the sealing and the fall was easier then the climb up. If you've never felt the way these characters have then you have truly never lived. I can name a few people i would love to erase, and the concept of this movie is brilliant. 10/10

#10: Tristan - added September 7, 2010 at 12:10am
Just watched this for the first time in 5+ years. Still amazing. Gondry has a very distinct and unique style of film making and it's very apparent in this picture. Nearly impossible to find a flaw in this one.

10/10

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