And the Oscar goes to...

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2004)

Barring certain multi-part oddities (The Matrix sequels, the eleven hour film known as The Lord of the Rings), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the best film I've seen since the wondrous days of 1999. I've seen many reviews comment on the brain bending aspect of the pic, but I really don't see it as the stereotypical Charlie Kaufman head-scratcher. Brain-bender? Eh, maybe. Heartbreaker? Definitely. The raw emotion on display in this film is staggering, notably from the two leads and Kirsten Dunst, displaying a fragility and vulnerability that just melts your heart in sympathy for her poor, shattered character. I don't generally care about the awards season madness that grips Hollywood each winter, but I'll be mightily distressed if this Sunshine doesn't shine over them all next year. In the age of "waiting for the DVD", I've driven 50 miles to the theater for this one twice this week, and will likely go again in a few days. If you love movies, you MUST go see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.