Just like my dreams

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2004)

The best thing I like about this movie is the way it is filmed. Like a confusing dream with things that don't make sense (like raining indoors) and the whole thing focusing on a few people like Clementine and the clinic staff whereas the rest of the people are distant and even faceless.
Whoever thought of this obviously has spent lots of time dreaming and has understanding of conscious unconsciousness. I like this very very much as I myself have dreams almost similar to this where my surroundings are never constant and it never makes much sense.
The characters are very well drawn. Joel in one hand, introverted and shy,
somewhat anti-social, but "nice". He's a very believable person and in fact my personality is similar to his. It's his flaws that makes him so believably human in nature. His unintentional bursts of speech that hurt Clementine, his constantly depressed mood when he's without Clementine. The unconventional ways he chooses as an outlet for his emotions- colourful journals and arranging food on a plate. Joel's character is so colourful, yet believable at the same time.
Clementine on the other hand, is such an exciting character that seems to be the dominating one at first, but as the film goes on we start to see flaws and weaknesses in her character but that only makes me like her even more. Her insecurity- "Am I ugly?". Her desire to start a family and live a less wild life despite her wild character. Her hair that constantly changes colour which I think signifies how she has not found herself yet, yet has so many exciting things to offer. Both Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet deliver these roles very well as well.
The story itself flows very nicely as the entire operation is slowly revealed to us as the film progresses as profound changes to clear (like waking up from a dream) and we start to hope for Joel to save his memories. SPOILER------------ What I personally enjoyed very much was the part where Joel said "goodbye" to Clementine in the beach house. I thought it was a fantastic idea to think of, saying goodbye to someone who you will never think of again, in your head, in a dream.
The concept of how there is not such thing as the "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind" is brilliant as well. Joel and Clementine finally find out that the obstacles they have to overcome are inevitable and necessary, and only through them, can they find happiness. Also, I like the idea of never being able to erase fate and destiny and how everything is meant to be.
A very puzzling, creative, intriguing, and thought provoking film that seems more like a dream than a film. Fantastic stuff but it takes awhile to figure out. 9/10