A rare find in a year of less-then-stellar films

Rating: 10/10 (11 November 2004)

This year has not turned out much in the way of amazing movies. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the exception. Focus Features slogan definitely fits: If we live in a diverse world, why are so many movies the same?
Eternal Sunshine is wonderfully written (Charlie Kaufman) directed (Michel Gondry) and acted (Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, with a solid supporting cast like Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Wilkinson)
The story revolves around Joel, who's shy, withdrawn, and of course nice, and Clementine, who's impulsive, wild and somewhat vindictive. These two polar opposites fall in love. The film begins at the end of their rocky relationship. Clementine impulsively decides to erase Joel from her memory, and he, in response to this news, gets the same process done. However, as he journeys through his memories, Joel realizes how much he still loves her, and changes his mind. He spends the night going from memory to memory, trying desperately to save his memories of Clem.
Eternal Sunshine is a perfectly weaved story. Winslet and Carrey give amazing performances, and in my opinion, both deserve and Oscar for it. This film just proves that Jim Carrey is an excellent actor, not just a comedian. It also proves that Kate WInslet IS the actress of her generation. And this is THE movie of 2004. If you like movies, see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.