I've been wanting to catch ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND for some time now. And after experiencing it I'm mad I had not seen it sooner. If you've wanted to catch this stellar film but haven't ... do yourself a favor and write "eternal sunshine" on a post-it note and attach it to your forehead. Don't worry, the film is worth a day of weird looks.On to the review:
Charlie Kaufman is as much a film auteur (author) as any major director working today. When you view one of his scripts on the screen you know you are in for something different, something artistic, something penetrating. For me, one of Kaufman’s main gifts is his ability to create such genuine, unsentimental couples. The relationships he describes jump off the screen; they’re multidimensional and real. At times you feel like a nosy neighbor, perhaps getting too much information. But that’s the gift and charm and insight, and this romantic comedy revolving around a quirky couple displays Kaufman’s wonderful writing ability front and center. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet play the couple in question and at the heart of the plot is a medical-ish company that can erase all the memories of a bad relationship. Learning Winslet’s character has wiped him out of her memory, Carrey’s character does the same. During the process he has second thoughts and he takes us on a journey through his memories as he tries to hold on to precious moments. The camerawork is fantastic as Gondry uses just enough special effects (of which only a few are digital) to give us the feeling of a merging or collapsing memory. The acting is superb; everyone brings their A game. All in all, a masterwork by those involved.
As you can tell, I adore this film. I can't say enough about the acting or the dialogue. Kirsten Dunst and Mark Ruffalo, who have supporting roles, are phenomenal. And wait till you catch Elijah Wood in this flick. Kaufman and Gondry create a wonderful, hysterical and bittersweet milieu that this film completely embodies. A film definitely not to be missed.
