Flawless, Imaginative, Spotless!

Rating: 8/10 (2 November 2005)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a compelling and sentimental alternative science fiction film that oozes style and is full of artistic quality. Charlie Kaufman writes a totally original film that beautifully expresses the point of not appreciating what you have until it's gone. The idea of memory erasure has been done before but never has a film gone to such great lengths to explore the sub conscious mind as this film does.
The direction of the film is inspiring. The way Joel's (Jim Carrey) sub conscious intertwines with his past memories is so cleverly done and so subtle, that it requires absolute attention from anyone watching. It is always a sign of effective film making when an audience actually enjoys been made to concentrate and this is a credit to Michel Gondry as director. Gondry had a clear vision when making this film and I believe he expressed it exactly how he wanted to.
The element that helps Gondry realise his vision the most in Eternal Sunshine are the performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Both have proved themselves fine actors on many occasions but this could certainly be a career best for both of them, especially Carrey. Carrey successfully shook off his 'rubber face' typecast with The Truman Show but he still played his roles rather over the top. This is possibly the first time we have seen Jim Carrey in such an understated role and it is refreshing to witness. His character in the real world is an average guy you can see around every corner, yet in his mind, he is a desperate man, passionate to keep hold of Clementine (Winslet). As she always is, Winslet is terrific. Her character is so multi layered and challenging, but Winslet copes with her role and shows why she is considered such a good actress. Clementine is such a different character; she is spontaneous, aggressive, loving, insecure, blunt. the list of personality traits is endless which makes her such an interesting character to watch.
The scenes in the real world involving Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst and Tom Wilkinson all do a fantastic job of raising the question of ethics. Wood's involvement is clearly inappropriate and Dunst and Ruffalo's behaviour is irresponsible and disrespectful. The fact that Joel is oblivious to what is happening in his apartment reflects the blind faith people have when they are been operated on or being cared for. Dunst is very good in her role as a girl brainwashed by Lacuna Inc.'s ideals, hiding a secret crush. Her turn at the end of the film is very convincing and does a great job at conveying moral dilemmas of such practices if they ever were to take place.
The music complements the film tremendously. It adds to the surrealism of what is going on and also does well to highlight the film's softer moments. Even the song by Polyphonic Spree, who I can't stand, fits in well within this film. Gondry puts a lot of effort in to maintaining the atmosphere and does a lot of this through the score.
One of the most thought provoking films there has been in a long time, Eternal Sunshine is a truly great film, starring two truly great actors. It might not be to everyone's taste but for the target audience, the film is near perfect.