Kaufman just might be my favourite thing about cinema.

Rating: 10/10 (17 May 2017)

I could tell you to watch this film. And I will. But more importantly I find a review should not be about why you should watch the film (again you should) but more so why I liked it and what it did for me. This is my favourite film so it's about time I put more thoughts of it on the internet. I'm sure anyone reading this will think differently of this films and that's one of Charlie Kaufman's best skills. For those unaware he is the screenwriter of such films like Synecdoche, New York and Being John Malkovich. I love both of those but I find this brilliant piece to be his magnum opus. So without further ado, here are the reasons I love this movie;
The acting: It's no mystery I love Kate Winslet. Carrey is great but come on, Kate is my favourite actress and up with Nicholson and DiCaprio for favourite performer. So when I say this is her best performance, it means its breathtakingly good. She is charismatic, funny, devastating and fits the character to perfection. You couldn't find anyone better to play Clementine. As for Jim this is also his best work. Yes he is more acclaimed for (some) of his comedic performances but this takes the cake. Just like Winslet he fits the character to perfection and brings him to life with all the emotions and complexity you'll find in a Kaufman script.
The cinematography: It's just beautiful. It's stunning and exciting. It's strange and thought provoking. What I love about Kaufman films is everything comes to life and fits into place like gears in a clock. The cinematography couldn't fit the tone or look better if it tried.
The story: It's no mystery I love Kaufman. You've been reading (I hope) this review to its fruition and it really is evident. I feel like I'm repeating myself really and I guess it's because a) My vocabulary is terrible and b) this film leaves me so speechless it's hard to find the right words to say. Basically this is one of if not the most original film of the 21st century. It takes the conventions of any romance drama, adds a sizzle of sci-fi and makes it unlike anything. The best part is it looks at all parts of love and the stages of any relationship which in my opinion refrains it from becoming too sappy or cynical. Well done Kaufman, you genius.
Most importantly it hit me emotionally. Not the first time I watched it because I was ten and I didn't have much emotional maturity (not that I do now). But four years I went back and it hit me hard. I'm not one for crying but the crumbling house scene leaves me on the verge every time no matter what mood I'm in. I connect to Joel a lot and the whole tone and strangeness to me adds a lot of feelings of understanding and entertainment.
Because I'm clichéd as hell - in conclusion I love this film. This doesn't mean you will (although many do) and many won't as much as I do. Why? Some would find it strange but really no one is the same. Everyone has experienced different and for me this was cathartic and just a joy to watch. I recommend it and I hope if you do enjoy it you expand your Kaufman horizons to his other works. (Don't shy from a certain film with Nic Cage, it's really good).
Like, don't like this review. I don't aim to show helpfulness but present my opinion because I don't know how you feel or think about cinema and I'm not pretentious enough to tell you what to like and think.