Love this movie, but not sure why...

Rating: 10/10 (23 January 2005)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was bittersweet. I have read many, many other comments on IMDb regarding this film, some of which blasted it. Those folks that don't dig this film are the ones who just are not getting it. That has been said by others besides me. I won't go into plot because of the spoiler factor, as there is potential for much spoilage, however, I will remark that this film touched me where no film has gone before. I became somewhat confused at times during my viewing it but that did not deter me from enjoying it. I like a little mystery with my movie. The camera pace was quite hyper at times, but i think this was needed in order to convey the message.
The cast is fantastic, although I did not particularly get into the supporting roles until one or two subplots sprang up. As for Carrey and Winslett, each carried their roles like no one else could have. I rarely heap praise on anything that gets the hype this film got, but I feel that this film is special. I wanted to pity Joel and hate Clem, but the progression of the film wouldn't allow it. The characters were not even the best part of this movie...the storyline is intriguing, whether you have been in love or not, whether you have failed at love or not.
I laughed, I got a little choked, and will definitely see this film a second time as I am sure amid the quick moments of some of the camera work I may have missed some things that I should have caught the first go around. I am amazed at the films such as Groundhog Day and Eternal Sunshine because they carry such weight with me. It could just be me, but Groundhog and Eternal Sunshine shared more than one or two qualities regarding relationships. Direction for Eternal was a bit more artsy for the sake of the plot, I think. At any rate, I give Eternal Sunshine a 10/10 and it deserves everything it gets when they start handing out awards. This film should not have been advertised as a comedy, although it could pass as the 2004 equivalent of Annie Hall with great comedic timing exhibited by Carrey when needed. There is a certain something that really grabbed me about this film and I wish I knew what it was exactly...just see it and experience it for yourself. Winslett is just right in this. Particularly the scene when Joel relies on a visual of one of Clem's most redeeming qualities...as a child, though, all Joel could say was "YUCK".
I wonder if Bill Murray could play opposite Kate Winslett in The Eternal Sunny Groundhog Day...now there is a film that'll touch any body, any where...
But seriously folks...am I the only one who noticed the symbolism of Joel and Clem carrying their baggage into the train station as people began disappearing around them? The baggage is symbolically left behind as Joel is running (as a memory) to hide from the erasers with Clem. Could be that I might be reading too much into this, but I'd say it sure seems that way. Eternal Sunshine is the most cerebral movie I've ever seen. I am not the least bit "artsy", nor do I want to portray myself as an intellectual. However, I know an entertaining movie when I see one. It's not for everyone, but it is certainly worth the time to visit this film if you have an interest in films that don't insult your intelligence by trying to feed you the same formula as the run of the mill so often represents. I'm glad that movies like this come along so seldom as it makes me appreciate them that much more.