Intricate, Dazzling--unfortunately, a matter of taste

Rating: Null/10 (24 March 2004)

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND is well done. Its plot, characters, and pacing never seem to fall off the wagon. In addition, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) share genuine chemistry, a testament to their acting and a good script by Charles Kaufman. Most importantly, the end is perfect--a justified conclusion that truly resonated. Nonetheless, for all of Michel Gondry's glitz, glam, and special effects, I couldn't quite relate to the picture. Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist but SUNSHINE appeared to favor artistic endeavors over the actual process of character study. As a result, many scenes (which filled the surrounding audience with laughter) didn't exactly tickle my fancy. The side plot was sort of bogus too and I felt Patrick (Elijah Wood)was miscast, making me wish I could send him back to Mordor. However, I have a feeling this is going to be a very popular movie, much bigger than ADAPTATION, and that Charles Kaufman is going enjoy a long, illustrious career.