Heartachingly Beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2004)

One day removed from seeing this film, I feel i have mulled it over it my head enough to comment on it. Having waited months to see it, I was worried that I was going to be disappointed, as is the case with most of the movies I allow myself to get excited about. This was not the case here.

Long story short, Jim Carey stars as Joel, a quiet reserved man who wakes one morning and decides he is not going to work. He is drawn to the beach where he meets a mysterious woman named Clementine, (played by the beautiful and gifted Kate Winslet) whom he feels like he has met before. We are eventually led to a clinic known as Lacuna Inc. where a mysterious procedure can be done to remove painful memories, and here is where the story really takes off.
The story drew me in in such a way that I was hoping it would continue indefinitely. The camerawork is quite chaotic and surreal, having been shot almost entirely on handhelds, and to serve the purpose of a dreamlike state. In this, it succeeds with flying colors. The viewer will really feel like he or she is walking around in Joel's subconcious. Big kudos to the team of Gondry and Kaufman.
As for the performances, Jim Carey has come a long way from talking with his ass. His performance here is nothing short of beautiful. He speaks with a quiet reserve that is so different from his usual, "in your face," antics. But where he really shines is when he's not speaking at all. Carrey's acting with his eyes is simply heartbreaking at times. His wistful pain comes across quite clearly.
Kate Winslet, playing opposite Carey, is at her usual form. I have to say, I was not fond of her character at first, but as the story goes on, the viewer sees more and more of a tenderness in her and grows to sympathize for her.
The supporting cast is kept to a select few characters but is just as strong. We have the underrated Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Mierzwiak at Lacuna who jumps back and forth between grandfatherly and shady. Elijah Wood, fresh off a run as Frodo goes 180ยบ in the other direction as the creepy Patrick. Kirsten Dunst plays the sweet and forlorn Mary with an honesty I've not seen from her since Interview With the Vampire. Finally, one of Hollywood's best kept secrets, Mark Ruffalo brings some smiles and laughs as Stan, the loveable nerd overseeing Joel's treatment.
I gave this movie 9/10 and I am looking forward to seeing it again.