What is life?

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2004)

** Some Spoilers **
This movie is fantastic. It addresses some of the great questions of human existence in a really thoughtful, subtle way. In my opinion the whole ending sequence is masterful, and actually gives an answer where so many movies cop-out and just end. I think the people that get caught up in the "they still found each other" aspect, or get upset that they're so "needy" to stay together at the end really miss the point.
To attentive moviewatchers it will become clear at some point that the beginning of the movie was actually the second meeting between JC and KW. Once you realize that, a whole set of questions form in your mind - will their relationship follow the same course, will they develop the same problems and feelings toward each other? But then, at the very end, Kaufman takes you to another level where you realize that these questions are silly and pointless. The real question is what is human life? What role does memory play in defining your life? Even if you knew a relationship was going to turn out badly, does that mean that it isn't worth living for all those great times? Are those great times what make your life? And aren't the bad times as well? And if you destroy those memories, aren't you really destroying a part of yourself?
I think it was Kaufman's best script yet. It doesn't beat you over the head was some really deep themes, so I think some people will miss them. But it's all there.