Weirdly Touching

Rating: 10/10 (23 March 2004)

What an experience seeing this film. I came out of this film feeling refreshed, touched and confused! Similar feelings I had when I saw 'Being John Malcovich' and 'Adaptation', two great films from a master screenwriter. Now Kaufman has created another great story, with quirky characters, as he takes on a rollercoaster ride of the human mind. His genius shines through here as he challenges us, but never cheats.
Jim Carrey masterfully creates a character introverted and lonely to the point when you look in his eyes, you get a feeling of urgency in him. An urgency to find someone, to talk to someone, to love someone. His undertones and realism ranks this as one of his best performances, if not his absolute best.
Kate Winslet compliments Carrey well in her role. Clementine (Winslet) is the exact opposite of Joel (Carrey), however they both long for the same thing, to be loved. And when their love goes totally wrong, we are taken on an odyssey of Joels mind to erase Clementine from his memory (as Clementine did with Joel). Though the proceedure seems a little far fetched, we forgive the idea and go with it and run.
This film is what love is all about. Can we forever remove events, people and the pain from our past? Aren't we a product of this?
Whatever the case may be, by the end of the film (and I won't say what exactly, so not to wreck anything for those who have not seen it yet),I was surprisingly touched by the end result. However, I don't want you to think this film has a 'Hollywood' ending because it doesn't. It's beautiful and doesn't cheat and that's what make this a great film.