Those who forget the past are destined to repeat it

Rating: 8/10 (10 February 2013)

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is an odd film but in a good way. If you've seen screenwriter Charlie Kaufman's earlier offerings "Being John Malkovich" & "Adaptation" then you have an idea of what I mean.
Here, a man distraught that his girlfriend has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memory decides to undergo the same treatment himself. However, when it's too late to turn back, he begins to have second thoughts and tries to hold on to his suddenly precious memories.
That, in a nutshell, is what the movie's about. While the premise and the the execution mix science fiction and fantasy the story remains accessible throughout. It does so because Kaufman managed to capture the essence of the messy nature of love & relationships in his (deservedly) Oscar-winning script.
Bringing the script to life are a small but well-assembled cast that includes Jim Carrey & Kate Winslet in the leading roles. Naturally, Winslet is excellent as always (hence her Academy Award nomination) but Carrey certainly held his own as well. In fact, this may be his most memorable dramatic performance to date. Apart from the principals, there's sturdy support from notables such as Mark Ruffalo, Tom Wilkinson, Kirsten Dunst & a few others in smaller roles.
Visually, the movie is quite attractive. Director Michel Gondry deftly handled the script's many surreal settings and transitions with style to spare. The editing also deserves praise in that regard, as does the cinematography in the greater scheme of things. However, when it comes to the music, I can't say that I'm especially fond of Jon Brion's score or Beck's contribution to the soundtrack.
Ultimately, though, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" not only delivers a vibrant visual experience, it also supplies plenty of mental stimulation as well. So, if you're looking for something original, entertaining & thought-provoking, look no further.