Great Idea for a Much Shorter Film

Rating: 6/10 (28 June 2004)

Having been written by Charlie Kaufman, "Eternal Sunshine" has a fascinating premise and unravels in a way that plays with the flow of time. Jim Carey shows that his excellent work in "The Truman Show" was no fluke; he is completely believable as a shy introvert (!). Kate Winslet, as usual, is also very good.
As the first part of the movie unfolded, I was completely drawn in and fascinated with the story and characters. However, the middle just seemed to go on and on, adding little to the plot nor my understanding of the characters' relationship. Thankfully, the last 15 minutes moved the plot in new and interesting ways.
Compared with Kaufman's "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation" (both of which I'd rate with 10s), "Eternal Sunshine" lacked the skillful story-telling to keep me involved throughout. However, its inventive plot and skillful performances saves it from being a disappointment. 6/10