Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Originally, I wanted to write a longwinded analysis of my love for this playful jewel of a movie. But after watching it a few times over, I said to myself “to the hell with it". So, in brief: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind simply IS the best movie to be made (not only) over the past years. Want to know why? If that’s the case, you’ll have to watch the fatal relationship of Joel and Clementine (...no jokes about her name!) for yourselves. It’s an experience that’s just indescribable in words. (2004-08-12)

That was quite a ride... A memory here and there, with the occasional real thing thrown in, and then it would seem impossible to understand. And look! I understood the incomprehensible and misunderstood the comprehensible - a crazy combination, I know, like the speed of Clementine's hair color change. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an amazing journey into the deepest recesses of a lover's soul, where everything seems so real, but let's not be fooled. The great Jim Carrey and the absolutely amazing Kate Winslet may make a completely mismatched pair (which may be just me), but the ways of love are devious. This is definitely one of the most intricate films of the 21st century, and it gave me everything on offer - sweet romance, bitter drama and unadulterated sci-fi ... ...and actually feel great about something so special. (2011-02-24)

The most unusual romantic movie I have seen. Cleverly and intelligently directed, but at times quite confusing and not entirely likeable (as a romance). From a romantic comedy, I do expect a bit more personal approach and the opportunity to go deeper, which is not the case here due to the frantic pace and complexity of the script. The film is rather cold, detached, and in a way, not very viewer-friendly. But the twist and the overall construction of the story are very original. For fans of traditionally styled, conservative romances, it will certainly not get top marks and will not be the film of the year by any means. (2008-09-12)

To be honest, I only heard about this Jim Carrey film a few years ago; it had somehow been off my radar all these years. It is definitely an unconventional viewing experience in every sense. I liked how they grafted sci-fi onto the romantic genre; you don't see that every day. The central idea of a letter containing information that someone has just erased you from their memory is initially quite crazy, but as time goes on, I started to enjoy the whole concept more and more. Of course, the cast contributes to this, with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet... could the creators wish for anyone better for the lead roles? I also appreciated the various little details (like Clementine's hair color changing according to her mood). I don't feel ready to give it a higher rating yet, but I wouldn't rule out leaning towards that after a second viewing in the future (a lot of people had that experience). For me, it's 8/10. (2021-09-07)

Everyone here is (rightly) praising Kaufman, but Gondry's direction, full of visual ideas and technical finesse, is just as brilliant as the script. Above all, it's to Gondry's credit that the plot puzzle doesn't fall apart like a house of cards and that the typical "Kaufman-esque" apparent chaos (it may seem so on the first viewing, but it makes perfect sense with the next screening) can be calmly absorbed the first time. In short, directorial work par excellence, which is not surprising, because a guy who has made such amazing videos for Bjork can't be second rate. I like this film more with each viewing, there is something new to find every time and it always manages to beautifully caress the soul. For me, one of the best and most original films of recent years. (2005-01-29)