Kaufman shines

Rating: 9/10 (24 April 2004)

Considering the high rating this film gets, I'm surprised to see so many gloomy reviews here. I thought the screenwriting, direction and several of the performances were brilliant. Since the presiding dissent is, "I didn't get it," maybe the nay-sayers need to go see it again.

Anyway, 'Eternal' proves again that Kaufman is the master of weaving a story around a central message in a profoundly unconventional way. Acting - overall outstanding. Carrey is fantastic but not slapstick (might this be the reason for the poo-pooing dissent? Perhaps disappointed by a Jim Carrey flick with no facial contortions?), Winslet is better that she's given credit for on this board, Dunst was just good (but my GOD that scene jumping on the bed! Reason enough to see it). I wasn't blown away by Ruffalo like everyone else. Wood seemed uncomfortable playing a mook (or maybe it was just me being uncomfortable watching him play a mook).

Story and screenplay - legendary. One minor hole that I won't get into lest I spoil the end, but overall I can imagine the joyous time Kaufman had writing this one.
Direction - best I've seen this year.
Cinematography - lots of people complained about it, but IMHO added to the disorganization of the plot.
Soundtrack - eh.
Overall - instant classic.